Urgency

I move, That urgency be accorded the introduction and passing of the Energy (Fuels, Levies, and References) Biofuel Obligation Repeal Bill, the Electricity (Renewable Preference) Repeal Bill, and the Domestic Violence (Enhancing Safety) Amendment Bill; the passing through their remaining stages of Government orders of the day Nos 1 and 2; any maiden statements to be made at times determined by the Business Committee; and a motion to adjourn the House and adopt the sitting dates for 2009. I have moved this motion in accordance with the requirements of the Standing Orders. I wish further to signal to the House that although it is the Government’s intention to take those first two bills through all stages, it is not our intention to do anything other than make progress, and as much progress as possible, on Government orders of the day Nos 1 and 2. The House will of course consider the sitting times for next year in the adjournment motion later in the week.

I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. This of course is not a debatable motion and I am certainly not trying to debate it, but there is a requirement for the Minister to give a reason. He did not actually give a reason. He stated that this was in accordance with the Standing Orders, and then outlined, very helpfully I think, to the House the nature of the business that is to be considered. But he does have to give a reason for urgency.

The Minister can give as much or as little reason as he chooses to give. I believe that his explanation of the issues behind urgency was quite helpful to the House. In future the Minister may choose to give more reason than he did, but that is a matter for his judgment.

It seems to me that he gave a “how”, not a “why”, if I can put it that way. He explained to us how things are going to happen, and it was very helpful. I thank him very much for that—I appreciated it. But he has to give a reason. The reason does not have to be a big one. It can be that this motion is required to meet the Government’s requirements for legislation to be passed before Christmas, or before the House rises for the Christmas adjournment—whatever it may be. But it is actually a reason, a “why”, that has to be given, not a “how”.

I will just deal with this issue. As I understand the Standing Orders, if the Opposition feels an inadequate reason has been given, the Opposition may not support the motion, and that is the remedy it has, of course. But if the Minister is happy with the explanation he has given, the question is that the motion be agreed to.