Statement by Mr Speaker Rozzoli on his decision to clear the galleries following a disruption.

Taken from Hansard, 30/11/1994, p. 6006.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I direct the official cameraman to stop filming the proceedings of the House until
further notice. It is always with the deepest of regret that the Chair orders that the public galleries be cleared,
because in our democratic society members of the public should have the opportunity to observe the
proceedings of the Parliament. However, the Parliament assembles to deliberate on matters concerning the State,
and members of the public are permitted to observe those proceedings as a matter of privilege. If the presence of
members of the public interferes with the capacity of the Parliament to deal with its business, two elements are
thrown into conflict, and the needs of the Parliament must prevail.

The incidents in the public gallery on two consecutive days raise considerable concerns with regard to the safety
of members, which is a primary concern of the Chair. Although neither incident caused actual bodily harm to
any person, the possibility arises - having regard to the publicity that has been and will no doubt be given to the
incidents - that people with little emotional control will contemplate more drastic action. I shall therefore
conduct an immediate investigation to ascertain what measures can be adopted to increase security. In the short
term, however, there is little that can be done.

Each person in the public gallery at any one time is, theoretically, present as the guest of a member of
Parliament. All members, therefore, are responsible for the conduct of those whom they invite to sit in the
gallery. Members should advise those whom they invite to observe the proceedings of the House that if they
wish to remain in the gallery, they should maintain decorum at all times. If there is any disruption from the
galleries on any day between now and the end of the sitting, I will clear both galleries immediately, as I have
done today. The capacity of Parliament to continue to deal with its business and the security of its members are
paramount considerations.

I trust that members will cooperate fully to bring to the notice of those whom they introduce to the galleries the
necessity to be well behaved and remain silent at all times. The last thing that the Chair or any member of this
House wants is to prevent any member of the public from visiting Parliament House and observing its
proceedings. The galleries will be reopened at a later hour of the day when I deem it appropriate. Question time
will continue, and the official cameraman may continue to film the proceedings.