Urgent Debates Declined — Hon Erica Stanford—Use of Personal Email Addresses to Conduct Ministerial Business

Members, I have received a letter from the Hon Jan Tinetti seeking to debate under Standing Order 399 the announcement that the Government will seek to amend the Equal Pay Act 1972 under urgency. This is a particular case of recent occurrence for which there is ministerial responsibility. “The fact that another parliamentary means of debating the subject of the urgent debate [request] … is a relevant consideration for the Speaker to take into account in deciding whether to accept the application.”—I refer to Speakers’ ruling 224/1. The Government has indicated that it intends to progress the bill urgently, which will provide a parliamentary means to debate it at some length. On that basis, I do not think an urgent debate is warranted and the application is declined.

I have also received a letter from the Hon Willow-Jean Prime seeking to debate the Hon Erica Standford’s use of personal email addresses to conduct ministerial business. This is a particular case—[Interruption] These rulings, when I’m standing on my feet, are heard without any interruption at all, for fear that there may be a change of mind. Erica Standford’s use of personal email addresses to conduct ministerial business—this is a particular case of recent occurrence for which there is ministerial responsibility. The House has a duty to scrutinise the executive to determine if it retains the confidence of the House. The conduct of Ministers in relation to the Cabinet Manual is a matter primarily for the Prime Minister and the Cabinet Office. I do not think this matter has reached the level of urgency and importance to warrant setting aside the business of the House today. The application is declined.