Wednesday, 7 February 2024

Joint sitting of Parliament

Legislative Council vacancy

Members of both houses met in Assembly chamber at 6:17 pm.

The Clerk: Before proceeding with the business of this joint sitting, it is necessary to appoint a Chair.

Jacinta ALLAN (Bendigo East – Premier): I am delighted to move:

That the Honourable Shaun Leane, President of the Legislative Council, be appointed Chair of this joint sitting.

I understand he is willing to accept the nomination.

John PESUTTO (Hawthorn – Leader of the Opposition): I second the motion.

The Clerk: Are there any other proposals? There being no other proposal, the Honourable Shaun Leane, President of the Legislative Council, will take the chair.

The CHAIR (Shaun Leane): Under the Constitution Act 1975 this joint sitting must be conducted in accordance with the rules adopted by the members present at the sitting. The first procedure, therefore, will be the adoption of the rules.

Jacinta ALLAN (Bendigo East – Premier): I move:

That joint rule of practice 2 be the rules for this joint sitting.

John PESUTTO (Hawthorn – Leader of the Opposition): I second the motion.

Motion agreed to.

The CHAIR: The rules have been adopted; I therefore invite proposals from members for a person to occupy the vacant seat in the Legislative Council.

Jacinta ALLAN (Bendigo East – Premier): I propose:

That Mr Richard Welch be chosen to occupy the vacant seat in the Legislative Council.

He is willing to accept the nomination. In order to satisfy the joint sitting as to the requirements of section 27A(4) of the Constitution Act 1975, I also advise I am in possession of advice from the Liberal Party’s registered officer that Mr Richard Welch is the selection of the Liberal Party of Australia, the party previously represented in the Legislative Council by Dr Matthew Bach.

John PESUTTO (Hawthorn – Leader of the Opposition): I second the proposal.

The CHAIR: Are there any further proposals? As there are no further nominations, I declare that nominations are closed. The question is:

That Mr Richard Welch be chosen to occupy the vacant seat in the Legislative Council.

Question agreed to.

The CHAIR: I declare that Mr Richard Welch has been chosen to occupy the vacant seat in the Legislative Council. I will advise the Governor accordingly.

I now declare the joint sitting closed.

Proceedings terminated 6:20 pm.