Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS (Leader—NZ First) Link to this
I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. You gave a ruling just yesterday regarding access by the media to the corridors of this Parliament, and you appeared to be reasonably liberal about their access to them. But I am raising at the first opportunity a complaint by way of my objection—and I am sure it is not just mine alone—at being obstructed in getting into this Parliament by a barrier of media people who do not make any access way available when members are coming through the foyer out there, but think they have the right to obstruct parliamentarians. It bespeaks an awful arrogance when people think they can get away with that sort of behaviour. They can put up all the arguments they like about press freedom, but they are now abusing parliamentarians who are going about their duties. The foyer is not a place to hold a press conference. If they want to stand off to the side, I am certain that members of Parliament and Ministers would accommodate them, but in behaving the way that they have I think they have gone way over the boundaries, and I ask you to make a ruling on it, Madam Speaker.
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Leader of the House) Link to this
I support to some extent what the member is saying. I think that in the past there has been a clear understanding that members of the gallery stand along the side of the corridor so that members can walk past. The habit has grown up more and more, as time has gone on, for simply a complete wall to be put up through which members have to pass, as if members are entering Parliament by grace and favour of the press gallery, if one likes, and I think that creates an unfortunate position. I do not think it is an intentional practice; I think it is one that has grown up over time, as people have found it more convenient to be ready for the huddle of the TV cameras. But I do think members should be able to walk past the media into the Chamber, without having to, in effect, push their way through should that be required. I think that is improper, and places both the gallery and members of Parliament in the unfortunate position whereby somebody has to appear to be discourteous to somebody else.
Madam SPEAKERI thank both members for their comments. I have written to all leaders of parties, explaining the position that was raised by the Hon Bill English yesterday. I will look at the position that has been raised by both the Rt Hon Winston Peters and the Hon Dr Michael Cullen. I guess the difficulty I have as Speaker is to try to get a balance in terms of the access of the media; at the same time, this is a workplace, and people should be able to go about their business in a manner that is unimpeded. We are always struggling to find that balance. I would also add that although we have the privilege of working in such a historic building, it is not designed for the number of people who occupy it on a daily basis, and that also creates issues from time to time. But I am happy to undertake to look at the issue again.