'Anti-democratic': Labor seeks controversial change to rules in the House
Opposition manager of business in the house Alex Hawke blasted the move as "anti-democratic and not transparent."
"These changes that are proposed ... are something very sneaky."
The proposed changes, if passed, would empower Speaker Milton Dick to order MPs to leave the chamber for three hours, instead of one.
Government leader of the house Tony Burke said when introducing a package of amendments to the standing orders, including the three-hour change under standing order 94a, that it had been a unanimous recommendation of the procedure committee, which had previously considered it in 2021.
Other amendments introduced on Wednesday include changes to the number of questions to the crossbench during question time - with crossbenchers to receive more chances to speak after the first 10 questions - and amendments to the number of votes required for a full division count.
Independent MPs have also questioned the proposed amendments.
Warringah MP Zali Stegall introduced an amendment that sought to "clarify what constitutes disorderly conduct so that when it occurs it is not left to vague interpretation and can be quickly addressed allowing MPs to return to productive policy debate."
Ms Steggall said there was "a balancing act between robust parliamentary debate and having a safe, respectful, and discrimination-free workplace."
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Mr Burke said the issue would be referred to the procedural committee.
Independent MPs Helen Haines and Kate Chaney supported Ms Steggall's amendment.
The Albanese government is seeking to expand the powers of the Speaker of the House of Representatives to kick MPs out of the chamber if they misbehave and reduce the number of questions Coalition members get during Question Time.
Opposition manager of business in the house Alex Hawke blasted the move as "anti-democratic and not transparent."
"These changes that are proposed ... are something very sneaky."
The proposed changes, if passed, would empower Speaker Milton Dick to order MPs to leave the chamber for three hours, instead of one.
Government leader of the house Tony Burke said when introducing a package of amendments to the standing orders, including the three-hour change under standing order 94a, that it had been a unanimous recommendation of the procedure committee, which had previously considered it in 2021.
Other amendments introduced on Wednesday include changes to the number of questions to the crossbench during question time - with crossbenchers to receive more chances to speak after the first 10 questions - and amendments to the number of votes required for a full division count.
Independent MPs have also questioned the proposed amendments.
Warringah MP Zali Stegall introduced an amendment that sought to "clarify what constitutes disorderly conduct so that when it occurs it is not left to vague interpretation and can be quickly addressed allowing MPs to return to productive policy debate."
Ms Steggall said there was "a balancing act between robust parliamentary debate and having a safe, respectful, and discrimination-free workplace."
READ MORE:
Mr Burke said the issue would be referred to the procedural committee.
Independent MPs Helen Haines and Kate Chaney supported Ms Steggall's amendment.
The Albanese government is seeking to expand the powers of the Speaker of the House of Representatives to kick MPs out of the chamber if they misbehave and reduce the number of questions Coalition members get during Question Time.
Opposition manager of business in the house Alex Hawke blasted the move as "anti-democratic and not transparent."
"These changes that are proposed ... are something very sneaky."
The proposed changes, if passed, would empower Speaker Milton Dick to order MPs to leave the chamber for three hours, instead of one.
Government leader of the house Tony Burke said when introducing a package of amendments to the standing orders, including the three-hour change under standing order 94a, that it had been a unanimous recommendation of the procedure committee, which had previously considered it in 2021.
Other amendments introduced on Wednesday include changes to the number of questions to the crossbench during question time - with crossbenchers to receive more chances to speak after the first 10 questions - and amendments to the number of votes required for a full division count.
Independent MPs have also questioned the proposed amendments.
Warringah MP Zali Stegall introduced an amendment that sought to "clarify what constitutes disorderly conduct so that when it occurs it is not left to vague interpretation and can be quickly addressed allowing MPs to return to productive policy debate."
Ms Steggall said there was "a balancing act between robust parliamentary debate and having a safe, respectful, and discrimination-free workplace."
READ MORE:
Mr Burke said the issue would be referred to the procedural committee.
Independent MPs Helen Haines and Kate Chaney supported Ms Steggall's amendment.
The Albanese government is seeking to expand the powers of the Speaker of the House of Representatives to kick MPs out of the chamber if they misbehave and reduce the number of questions Coalition members get during Question Time.
Opposition manager of business in the house Alex Hawke blasted the move as "anti-democratic and not transparent."
"These changes that are proposed ... are something very sneaky."
The proposed changes, if passed, would empower Speaker Milton Dick to order MPs to leave the chamber for three hours, instead of one.
Government leader of the house Tony Burke said when introducing a package of amendments to the standing orders, including the three-hour change under standing order 94a, that it had been a unanimous recommendation of the procedure committee, which had previously considered it in 2021.
Other amendments introduced on Wednesday include changes to the number of questions to the crossbench during question time - with crossbenchers to receive more chances to speak after the first 10 questions - and amendments to the number of votes required for a full division count.
Independent MPs have also questioned the proposed amendments.
Warringah MP Zali Stegall introduced an amendment that sought to "clarify what constitutes disorderly conduct so that when it occurs it is not left to vague interpretation and can be quickly addressed allowing MPs to return to productive policy debate."
Ms Steggall said there was "a balancing act between robust parliamentary debate and having a safe, respectful, and discrimination-free workplace."
READ MORE:
Mr Burke said the issue would be referred to the procedural committee.
Independent MPs Helen Haines and Kate Chaney supported Ms Steggall's amendment.
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