Urgent Debates Declined — Defence Cooperation

I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker.

💬 Mr SPEAKER: I have ruled.

I am not sure what advice you sought on this matter, but this is perhaps the most significant decision on the structure of our defence forces. It is widely recognised that what was done in 1990 has not worked. We have had some 13 years of dysfunctionality, and finally we have a policy announcement of a Government decision—

The member cannot debate my ruling. He can seek leave to have a debate. That is perfectly within his right. He cannot debate my ruling.

💬 Hon KEN SHIRLEY: I seek leave to have a debate in accordance with the letter I submitted, and that you have just read.

Leave is sought. Is there any objection? There is objection.

I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I just seek clarification of your ruling on the earlier application. I understand you to have said that the application was turned down on the grounds that it related to a decision or a matter yet to occur, when, in fact, I believe that my letter referred to the decision of the Government, which has been made, to proceed with a signing tomorrow. In other words the part that is yet to occur is simply executory.

I will just refer the member to the first sentence in his own letter: “I request an urgent debate regarding a proposal for the Government to enter ...”. It is not a decision that has yet been taken.