Points of Order — References to Matters Awaiting Judicial Decision

I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. A question that we took to the Clerk’s Office this morning was dismissed as being outside the Standing Orders. The Standing Orders referred to in this case were Standing Orders 112 and 113. We accept that those Standing Orders are fairly clear. Therefore, we would like some guidance from you about how we can raise in the House matters that have come into the public arena and are of concern, but that have no material bearing on the outcome of a case, whatsoever. It seems a little unfair to us that the media are able to speculate about what is meant by a statement made by a judge—or, for that matter, by a prosecuting police officer—but that we are not able to pursue in Parliament the information that lies behind that statement. If it is just an issue of reference being made to a case in a question, then we would appreciate knowing that. But we are most concerned that our opportunities to find out more about circumstances that have nothing to do with the actions of the person being prosecuted or, frankly, with the outcome of the case are being cut off in this House.

💬 Mr SPEAKER: I thank the member for raising that point of order. He has done so in a responsible way. I will have a look at that and come back to him with a ruling.

Question No. 2 to Minister, 20 November