Points of Order — Parliamentary Precinct—Members’ Access to the Chamber

I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. Yesterday, on the way to the House, several Ministers and others crossing from Bowen House to the Beehive found it very difficult to actually make it to the House, because of the press gallery forming, effectively, what were five clusters all around the entrance, and I suspect that there is a delay today and that the member who is the subject of the first question is unable to do that. I wonder whether you would consider whether, in fact, there should be a time limit on that and whether that should end prior to when the bells stop ringing. Otherwise, there are going to be situations where Ministers are unable to answer questions in the House because of the delay.

I appreciate the tactics that the member has just employed. I think the member is aware that if there is actually a physical hazard caused by anyone stopping members coming into the House, it is a breach of privilege and should be reported accordingly. If members want to come to me quietly afterwards and indicate chokepoints or specific problems, then, of course, I will take it up with the chairperson of the press gallery, but I don’t propose otherwise to take any action.