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The Speaker has given guidelines explaining what topics will be allowed. When the Speaker looks at a proposal for discussion, he or she will check that the guidelines have been followed.
1 Clear wording. The proposal must be definite and precise so all members can understand what the discussion will cover.
2 Within the Assembly’s control. The topic for discussion must be something that the Assembly has power to deal with. An issue that could only, for example, be acted on by the federal parliament in Canberra is not something that the Assembly could discuss.
3 Issues already due to be debated. The topic must not be something which the Assembly is likely to debate in the near future.
4 Issues already being looked at by a parliamentary committee. Usually these are allowed, providing all the other guidelines are followed.
5 Issues being considered by a court or judicial body. The Speaker will not allow a discussion in this situation because of the sub judice rule.
6 Issues already debated by the Assembly. If the Assembly has already debated the issue and made a decision about it, the Speaker will not normally allow another discussion. Where a member can show that there is a new or different issue, or gives justifiable reasons, the Speaker might allow the topic.
7 Discussions about legislation. These may be allowed by the Speaker.
8 Attacking somebody’s character. A topic should not relate to someone’s character or conduct. If a member wants to make specific allegations about another member, there is a separate formal procedure which must be used.
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