Thursday, 2 April 2026

James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, I understand that in relation to constituency questions and adjournments there are rules that explain and guide the questions members may ask. Those rules are sometimes within the standing orders and sessional orders, and others are rulings from the Chair, some of which are hard and fast and some of which are grey. When a constituency question or adjournment is knocked out, the only losers are Victorians, because these questions are based on community concerns and issues. I would like to raise my concern that perhaps there is a strictness on every occasion to the substance of constituency questions and adjournments. Unfortunately I think there is latitude that could be given, which perhaps is not being given, and as I said, the only losers are Victorians. So I would put to you, Speaker, in relation to the substance of constituency questions and adjournments, that at times there are opportunities to provide a little bit of latitude, and I would hope and put to the house that perhaps a little bit of latitude could be given in relation to those matters.

The SPEAKER: I will take that advice from the member for Brighton and give it consideration.