Privilege — Conduct of Member towards Chairperson of Transport and Infrastructure Committee

Members, I have received a letter from Rachel Boyack raising a matter of privilege: Tim van de Molen’s conduct towards the chairperson of the Transport and Infrastructure Committee on 29 June 2023. There are differing accounts of what occurred at the conclusion of the committee’s meeting. If the allegations are accurate, the conduct complained of could amount to threatening or intimidating a member acting in the discharge of their duty, or threatening a member on account of their conduct in Parliament. The Speaker’s role in such matters is to determine whether the facts alleged could, if true, amount to a breach of privilege or contempt of the House. The Speaker does not inquire into the veracity of the evidence presented, or conduct an inquiry into the allegation. That is the role of the Privileges Committee. I find that a question of privilege arises, and that question stands referred to the Privileges Committee.