Points of Order — Parliament Buildings—Media Access

I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. It is a completely new one, but, again, this is the first available opportunity I have had to raise it. You may remember—and other members most certainly will—that I have raised this particular point of order on a number of occasions. I believe that Speakers’ Rulings and the Standing Orders—[Interruption]

💬 Madam SPEAKER: I just remind members that members are to be heard in silence on points of order.

I believe that Speakers’ Rulings and the Standing Orders make it quite clear that members are not to be obstructed when coming to and from the Chamber. I have raised this issue on many occasions, but I have basically given up. I think the media have now probably established by common law right that they can sit on the bridge between the Beehive and Parliament House.

However, I discovered that last night, suddenly, that rule was enforced. It seems quite extraordinary. This is Parliament. We parliamentarians have to zigzag and work our way around the media. On Tuesday I actually had to wait for a while until the leader of the Māori Party had finished her very interesting interview. But I discovered that last night the media were suddenly cleared away because another delegation was visiting that, apparently, has stronger views about the media. It seems to me that the Government should have a consistent rule. If we MPs have to endure the media—that is part of our job—would it not have been a good idea for the President of Indonesia to be introduced to some free press as well, and for him to have to walk through the media the same as we do?

💬 Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: I am more than happy to follow up that point for the member.

Standing Order 38—Minister Not Present