Tuesday, 28 November 2023

State Electricity Commission Amendment Bill 2023

Appropriation

The SPEAKER (12:53): I have received a message from the Governor recommending an appropriation for the purposes of the State Electricity Commission Amendment Bill 2023.

James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker – I have two separate points of order, if I may. Firstly, in relation to public galleries, a number of members have sought advice in relation to the opening of galleries to the public, and we would appreciate your advice in relation to your plans for perhaps next year in relation to public galleries being open.

The SPEAKER: I will come back to the house.

James Newbury: On a separate point of order, Speaker, may I refer you to Hansard at page 3575 on 15 October 2014. Speaker Fyffe at that time made a ruling that, if I may quote:

Briefings are not only for members of this house. Briefings are also for the wider community, for members of the public who are interested.

In that instance he said:

I do not believe that a substantial or sufficient briefing was given.

I raise that matter in relation to two bills where a minister, despite requests from her department, has refused to allow the opposition to be briefed on either the State Electricity Commission Amendment Bill 2023 or the Constitution Amendment (SEC) Bill 2023. A previous Speaker, Speaker Fyffe, acknowledged the importance of briefings not only to the opposition but to the broader community. I want to draw your attention to the fact that the department has sought to brief the opposition on those two bills but the government has declined the requests from the minister’s own department and the opposition. I would appreciate you considering the matters that I have raised and confirming to the house whether or not that ruling still stands.

The SPEAKER: I will come back to the house.