Wednesday, 3 December 2025

 Chris COUZENS (Geelong) (10:47): The Gordon TAFE in Geelong is doing some incredible work that has been supported by the Allan Labor government, with things like the new disability school of excellence and, amazingly, an Indigenous culinary school for all of those students out there that want to focus on Indigenous methods of cooking, seasonal calendars, all of that work –

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Before we move on, as members will know I am hesitant to break into members statements with matters of order. However, the member for Ripon made an imputation on a member of the Council, and I wish to reiterate to –

Lauren Kathage interjected.

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! The member for Yan Yean is not in her place and should not be heard. I remind the house of Speaker Maddigan’s ruling from 6 September 2005 that:

An accusation that a member has lied, or is lying, is an imputation of improper motive, and a contravention of the standing orders.

I counsel all members to not impugn other members of this house or the other place.

Brad Rowswell: On a point of order, Deputy Speaker, in relation to the comment which you have just made, may I suggest that an action be considered to counsel that member, perhaps a referral to the Speaker, who can then meet with that member and have that conversation directly with her. I understand that she is not in the chamber at the minute, and it may assist the member that you have just remarked upon for that to be conveyed directly to them as a point of fairness to them also.

Mary-Anne Thomas: On the point of order, Deputy Speaker, there was no point of order. The member for Sandringham should know that, if he has a matter that he wishes to raise with the Speaker, he should do so outside the chamber. So I ask that you rule his point of order out of order, and you perhaps might consider counselling him on the appropriate way to raise matters with the Speaker.

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: On the point of order, I do agree with the Leader of the House: it is not a point of order. You are well within your rights, member for Sandringham, to see the Speaker in her office about the matter, and I encourage you to do so if that is what you wish.