Speaker’s Rulings — Parliament Buildings—Media Access

Before the recent adjournment I undertook to report back to the House following points of order concerning the media’s positioning within the buildings, especially when members are making their way to the Chamber. I wish to outline some of the steps I have initiated as a result of the concerns that were expressed, and the new situation arising from the building work that is going on.

From next week the Beehive refurbishment project will mean that access from the executive wing to Parliament House will be affected by the construction of a safe way across the bridge to level 1. That will restrict alternate access routes, and increase the bridge’s use as a thoroughfare compared with its present use. Discussions have been held with the press gallery on interim arrangements to operate for the next few months while that situation continues.

In outline, I envisage that a clearway free of media will be maintained across the bridge at all times, and that no interviews will be permitted on it. Rather, on House sitting days the media position will be in the Parliament House foyer, outside the doors to the Grand Hall, except when the Grand Hall is being used for a major function. If the Grand Hall is in use, ad hoc arrangements will be made for corridor interviews to be carried out elsewhere. In regard to the Bills Office, I propose to establish a clear access way on one side of the corridor leading to that room. The precise details of those arrangements will be discussed further with the press gallery by the Manager, Security and Operations.

When the Beehive renovations are completed, I will review those arrangements in the light of the new configuration and use patterns of the buildings.

I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. Those arrangements seem to me to be rather complex. I am wondering whether we will have pointsmen in place to ensure the smooth flow of traffic across that particular bridge, and whether there might be a proposal at some point to walk members of Parliament through the area, in order to point out the various parts where they can expect not to be interviewed.

I thank the member for his observation. I have had several complaints from members of several different parties on this matter. In terms of the refurbishment of the building, the primary considerations are health and safety issues and the accommodation of the media to be able to have access for interviews. Copies of this ruling will be available to all members.