Ms MARTIN - 1999-08-11
Ms MARTIN: Mr Speaker, my question is to the member for Port Darwin. In his weekend crisis call, Barry Coulter said: ‘For the first time in my memory …
Mr PALMER: A point of order, Mr Speaker!
Mr SPEAKER: There is a point of order. Questions should be directed to ministers in areas for which they have a responsibility.
Mr STIRLING: Addressing the point of order, Mr Speaker, standing order 110 permits questions to members other than ministers ‘on a public matter connected to the business of the Assembly of which the member has charge’.
Mr SPEAKER: I find it very difficult ...
Mr Stirling: Mr Speaker …
Mr SPEAKER: Would you listen to me for a minute.
Mr STIRLING: It is hard for you to make a ruling if you haven’t heard my point of order out.
Mr SPEAKER: Let’s hear you. Make it quick.
Mr STIRLING: The by-elections for Blain and Wanguri are clearly public matters. The by-elections are connected …
Mr PALMER: A point of order, Mr Speaker! He is reading a speech.
Mr SPEAKER: Order! There is no point of order. The Leader of Government Business will please resume his seat.
Mr STIRLING: The by-elections are very, very closely connected to the business of this Assembly by reason that they determine who comes into this place and becomes members of it. The matter is within the responsibilities of the member for Port Darwin in his capacity as head of the Liberal Party of Australia. The Northern Territory …
Mr SPEAKER: The member for Nhulunbuy will please resume his seat. There is no point of order. In fact, the question is disallowed. I cannot see any connection between the responsibilities of the president of the Liberal Party and the workings of this House. The question is out of order.
Mr PALMER: A point of order, Mr Speaker!
Mr SPEAKER: There is a point of order. Questions should be directed to ministers in areas for which they have a responsibility.
Mr STIRLING: Addressing the point of order, Mr Speaker, standing order 110 permits questions to members other than ministers ‘on a public matter connected to the business of the Assembly of which the member has charge’.
Mr SPEAKER: I find it very difficult ...
Mr Stirling: Mr Speaker …
Mr SPEAKER: Would you listen to me for a minute.
Mr STIRLING: It is hard for you to make a ruling if you haven’t heard my point of order out.
Mr SPEAKER: Let’s hear you. Make it quick.
Mr STIRLING: The by-elections for Blain and Wanguri are clearly public matters. The by-elections are connected …
Mr PALMER: A point of order, Mr Speaker! He is reading a speech.
Mr SPEAKER: Order! There is no point of order. The Leader of Government Business will please resume his seat.
Mr STIRLING: The by-elections are very, very closely connected to the business of this Assembly by reason that they determine who comes into this place and becomes members of it. The matter is within the responsibilities of the member for Port Darwin in his capacity as head of the Liberal Party of Australia. The Northern Territory …
Mr SPEAKER: The member for Nhulunbuy will please resume his seat. There is no point of order. In fact, the question is disallowed. I cannot see any connection between the responsibilities of the president of the Liberal Party and the workings of this House. The question is out of order.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016