RON MARK (NZ First) Link to this
I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. I am seeking your advice. In your comments to me on the point of order I took, you suggested that I should refer to the Standing Orders and understand them a little better. I am looking at Standing Orders 115 and 116 in respect of offensive and disorderly words and personal reflections. Paragraph 115 states: “If any offensive or disorderly words are used, whether by a member who is speaking or by a member who is present, the Speaker intervenes.” The next one, paragraph 116, “Personal reflections”, states: “A member may not make an imputation of improper motives against a member, an offensive reference to a member’s private affairs or a personal reflection against a member.” There is no further statement there giving a caveat as you had suggested. I have looked at Speakers’ Rulings and I cannot find the statement that the offence must be taken by the member to whom the comment was aimed. All I can read is that the Speaker intervenes. If you can help me and steer me to the right Speaker’s ruling, or the right Standing Order, then I might better understand these Standing Orders going forward. I would be extremely grateful.
Madam SPEAKER