DISSENT FROM RULING

March 19, 2008

Mr Hartsuyker (Cowper) (12:35 PM) —Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I certainly respect your position in this House, but I regret that this—

Honourable members interjecting—

The DEPUTY SPEAKER (Hon. Peter Slipper)—Order! There is far too much noise in the chamber. One is not able to hear the speaker. I certainly am not able to hear the member to whom I have given the call.

Mr Hartsuyker —Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I am sure it is a matter of much regret to you and the members opposite that they were unable to hear my contribution in this debate. It is of great concern to us that, whilst we respect your ruling, in this case the matter has not been appropriately dealt with. The people of Australia are really expecting action from this government. There are very important matters before this House today that the people of Australia are expecting to be dealt with. But what do we have? As a result of the opposition-like tactics of the members opposite we see the time of this House wasted and, rather than the important matters of the day such as the cost of living, such as how carers and pensioners are going to continue to live against the backdrop of rising prices, we see a childish and trivial stunt by this government, taking up the time of this House. I know that this government can kick carers around, and it can kick seniors around, but we as the opposition do not want to see that happening and we do not want to see it attempt to kick the parliamentary process around. I know that the actions of this government are already causing great distress amongst the people whom I represent. I recommend that the government should be putting its energies into good government rather than political stunts. There is no mileage to be had from this government pulling political stunts and embarking on endless symbolism when in fact—

The DEPUTY SPEAKER (Hon. Peter Slipper)—Order! The time for this debate has expired.

Question put:

That the Deputy Speaker’s ruling be dissented from.