Points of Order — Parliament Building—Media Access

I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. Before question time I drew your attention to the question of access to the House and the gangways, and the media. I was informed during question time that the situation was more serious than that which I had raised with you—a lot more serious. I am now informed—although I have to say this information still is second-hand—that accredited members of the news media, who are entitled to be in Parliament and who have accreditation from yourself, were told by police officers that if they did not move themselves from parts of this building they would be arrested.

We had the issue of police officers extensively litigated last year. It is my understanding that a police officer may not exercise authority in this House without the Speaker’s express approval. You indicated to me, Madam Speaker, when I raised the point of order before question time, that you were not aware that there had been incidents on the gangway last night. That would indicate that police officers were acting in Parliament without your approval. If that was so, I think that is a very, very serious matter.

When you are looking into that, could you also inquire as to whether police officers did threaten accredited members of the news media, who are entitled to be in Parliament, with arrest, and if they did so, whether they had your approval. If they did, I think members would like to know why the Speaker thinks that members of the press gallery should be threatened with arrest—even if some members may be sympathetic to that. I think we should get a report on the matter.

💬 Madam SPEAKER: I am happy to look into that matter.

Members’ Day—Rescheduling of Debate