QUESTIONS TO THE SPEAKER

The SPEAKER (15:26): I can answer that question right now. Mr Tehan: Alright. Okay.

The SPEAKER: Resume your seat. When the Speaker says, 'Resume your seat,' that's when the microphone goes off. That has always been the case.

Honourable members interjecting— The SPEAKER: Alright, just resume your seat. Resume your seat for a moment, because I do have information to give to the House. I'm happy to meet separately with the manager to discuss this item.

I understand what he is trying to get to, but every Speaker has had that authority. Once the Speaker says, 'Resume your seat,' in a question, in an answer or on a point of order, the microphone gets turned off. That has been the case since Broadcasting.

Mr Tehan interjecting— The SPEAKER: Okay, as long as we can be brief, because I don't want to detain the House, because I know members have commitments. If you have a question to me about the operations of the House, I'm happy to hear it.