Rulings from the Chair
Member and visitor conduct
The SPEAKER (09:33): After question time yesterday the Manager of Opposition Business took a point of order to draw my attention to a photo posted to social media by the member for Richmond. The photo appeared to have been taken in the chamber of members and the protesters in the gallery yesterday, with comments in support of the protesters. Members will recall that I issued a general reminder at the start of question time yesterday that photos were not permitted. I refer all members to the ruling on page 56 of Rulings from the Chair, which reminds members that taking photos in the chamber is not allowed and that publishing photos of protest events in the gallery on social media could be seen as encouraging disruptions to the house. I do not suggest that the member for Richmond was involved in yesterday’s protest at all, only that taking and posting the picture was in breach of the prohibition of photography and that it may have the net result of encouraging disruptions in the chamber and compromising parliamentary proceedings. I met with the member for Richmond yesterday and explained my concerns about her actions and the adverse effect they could have on the work of the chamber, and I invited the member to apologise to the house.
Gabrielle DE VIETRI (Richmond) (09:34): My photograph was taken during a suspension, and I note that Rulings from the Chair on page 56 requires members to reflect before taking photos in the chamber during a suspension. I did so after careful reflection, and I believe nothing in the standing orders prohibits me. With respect, Speaker, I decline the request to apologise.