Points of Order — Parliamentary Press Gallery—Parliamentary Complex

I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. I am raising a point of order on a matter that Peter Dunne and I raised with you last week, and that is the police barring of an accredited press gallery journalist, Nick Wang, from a parliamentary function last week. I understand that you met Police Commissioner Broad this morning, and I wonder whether he had a useful response that could be communicated to the House, particularly in the light of the fact that Mr Broad is in the mood, this week, to give apologies for police wrongdoing.

I thank the member. I was going to report to the House tomorrow, when I had had time to prepare a statement, but I shall do it now. Yes, I met with the commissioner today. The commissioner and I have agreed that we will discuss and prepare a protocol on security matters as they relate to the complex.

I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. In approaching that matter, I trust you will not treat a misunderstanding over the treatment of one journalist as equivalent in nature to the abuse of women in sexual matters by police officers in the past.

I agree with that. I must also emphasise that I had a very good meeting with the commissioner, who does respect the privileges and the position of Parliament. I have no doubt at all that we will reach agreement on a protocol. I will, of course, be discussing this matter also with the press gallery, and hopefully my office has already contacted it for a meeting.