Estimates Debate — In Committee

The new Standing Orders provide for 8 hours of debate on the estimates. Each member may have no more than two speeches of 5 minutes on each vote. The estimates debate should be relevant to the Government’s current spending plans as contained in the Estimates of Appropriations. As each vote is reached, a question will be put that that vote stand part of the schedules. If it is the wish of the Committee, I will put the question on groups of votes, by Minister, until a vote is reached that members seek to debate. A separate question on this vote will then be proposed from the Chair. Should it be the wish of the Committee, a question may be proposed on two or more related votes for the purpose of debating them together.

At the conclusion of the 8-hour debate, any remaining votes and the remaining provisions of the bill will be put as one question. The Government indicates which votes are available for debate. I understand that all votes are available in order of seniority of Ministers, commencing with the Speaker’s votes. A list setting out the order is on the Table.

I raise a point of order, Madam Chairperson. I just want clarification of the number of speaking spots for each speaker. I understand that normally we would be able to have more than two. You indicated that each member could make a maximum of only two speeches. I seek clarification on that point.

The CHAIRPERSON (Ann Hartley): It is two speeches on each vote. However, the member could seek leave to have more, if that was where he—

When we look at the categories of votes, we see that there are a number of separate votes under each of them. In the first group of votes—those under Mr Speaker—there are five votes. We could have our speakers speak 10 times?

The CHAIRPERSON (Ann Hartley): Yes, that is right—twice on each vote.

Vote Office of the Clerk agreed to.

Vote Parliamentary Service agreed to.

Vote Audit agreed to.

Vote Ombudsmen agreed to.

Vote Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment agreed to.

Vote Arts, Culture and Heritage