Points of Order

Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House) Link to this

I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I want to raise a matter with you that is of very serious concern—certainly to Government members—and that is the way in which the tiled area between the Beehive and Parliament House is becoming increasingly congested on sitting days, as the media gather there in very large numbers. They appear to be somewhat constrained to one end, and appear to have very little respect for the fact that the House actually starts sitting at 2 o’clock and that there is a requirement for Ministers to be given a clear passage to get to the House to answer questions on any given day.

I wonder whether you might consider having a discussion—not a heavy-handed one, but perhaps a gentle reminder—with those who run the press gallery that they might have some consideration for that particular activity of the media. In many cases, if the media phoned up Ministers’ offices prior to that time they would get exactly what they want in plenty of time. There is no desire to avoid the media; it is just a very inconvenient time each day to approach Ministers.

Hon TREVOR MALLARD (Labour—Hutt South) Link to this

This is a problem that has, I think, worsened in recent times. Unfortunately, it appears that the area for the media is more restricted as a result of the change in the route of the Speaker’s parade. I wonder whether it might be possible for your parade to be re-routed through the Legislative Council Chamber or the Grand Hall and come into the Chamber the other way, so that the public could still see the parade but it would not interfere with the very important holding to account of the Government by the fourth estate.

Mr SPEAKER Link to this

I thank the honourable member for his contribution. The issue of free access to the Chamber for members is important. I will certainly draw to the attention of the appropriate people that members need unimpeded access to the Chamber.