Tuesday, 22 February 2022

COVID-19

The PRESIDENT (11:35): I remind members that the special arrangements for the operation of the chamber that we had in place last week will remain the same this week. It is still mandatory to wear masks in all indoor spaces, and a member should only remove their mask when they have the call to speak. Members should not meet in small huddles in the chamber and where possible should observe physical distancing. Regular cleaning of the chamber will occur during meal breaks, and the sitting will be suspended where additional cleaning breaks are required. The temporary orders agreed to on 7 September 2021 allow certain material to be submitted for incorporation in Hansard. Please email those contributions to the table office by the time the house adjourns. Only the number of matters permitted in the order of business for each item may be raised, be that in the house or via incorporation each sitting day and as allocated between the parties and independents. Divisions will continue to operate under the temporary orders agreed to by the house on 23 April 2020; therefore members will be asked to stand in their places during a division.

Mr Davis: On a point of order, President, on the matter that you have just raised, I want to make two very quick points. The first is to thank you for the clarification. Secondly, it is the opposition’s view that in fact we should return to 9.30 am starts on Thursday and that masks should be off at this point. I just want that noted and we can—

Members interjecting.

Dr Cumming: On the point of order, President, I would echo the opposition’s view that there is no science and that apparently this government would love to take masks off office workers but not off children.

The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order.

Ms Pulford: On a point of order, President, Mr Davis is saying that the opposition want masks off. I would indicate that the announcement that has been made and the move that is foreshadowed in no way requires anyone in Victoria who wishes to keep their mask on to take it off. It is an important point of clarification.

Members interjecting.

The PRESIDENT: I am not going to allow this to be debated. Thank you, Mr Davis. Thank you, Dr Cumming. We will move on.