Urgent Debates Declined — Spring Hill Corrections Facility—Riot

I have received a letter from David Clendon seeking to debate under Standing Order 386 the riot that occurred on Saturday, 1 June at Spring Hill Corrections Facility. The occasion of the riot is a particular case of recent occurrence involving ministerial responsibility. The test for whether a particular matter requires the immediate attention of the House is a very high one, and the fact that the Budget debate is before the House means that there is another means by which the House can discuss the matter. The purpose of an urgent debate is to hold the Government accountable for its decisions. Working through the riot’s underlying causes will take time. Resolution of the wider matters the member raises in an application is important for public confidence in the prison system, but I am not convinced that I would be justified in setting aside the business of the House today. The application is, therefore, declined.