Points of Order — Media—Allegations Regarding ACT Leader Directing Executive

I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I refer to you Speakers’ rulings 52/1-5, which go to the question of directions to a Government from a person outside Parliament. It has been widely reported in the media today that Dr Don Brash has been indicating to the Prime Minister the membership of the executive, and that goes to two questions: who is in the executive and, directly as a result of that, who can ask questions in this House. It might be a matter you want to take under advisement. Clearly, people can take advice but not instructions and directions. It has been indicated by way of the media that there has been a direction from Dr Brash to the Prime Minister as to who should be in his ministry, and that is clearly a breach of privilege.

💬 Mr SPEAKER: I will consider the matter, which the member has raised in good faith. If there is an issue to be considered I will come back on the matter.