Speaker's
Media Release

Speaker Holds Meeting on Standing Orders

The Speaker of the Parliament of Victoria, Judy Maddigan, today met the Leader of the Government in the Legislative Assembly, Peter Batchelor, the Leader of the Opposition, Robert Doyle, and the Leader of the National Party, Peter Ryan.

The leaders discussed issues surrounding Standing Order 30 of the Parliament of Victoria, a rule which governs the operation of the Legislative Assembly Chamber, and which prohibits “strangers” from entering the Chamber whilst the Parliament is in session.

There is unanimous agreement amongst the Leaders that the requirements of a nursing mother should be provided for at the Parliament of Victoria.

Speaker Maddigan said: “It is the first concern of us all that the welfare of the child of a Member can be provided for at the Parliament. We all wish to provide suitable working arrangements which benefit children and their parents.

“I am confident the matter will be resolved satisfactorily.”

“As Speaker it is one of my main concerns to make the Parliament more family friendly by ensuring that the Parliament is more accommodating for Members, their staff and families, and through the provision of childcare facilities.”

The Speaker can be contacted on (03) 9651 8575 or 0417 322 053.