Question to The Speaker - House of Representatives: Protests

Mr HAWKE (Mitchell—Manager of Opposition Business) (15:20): Mr Speaker, I have a question for you. Today, during question time, we had the unfortunate spectacle of several protesters interrupting proceedings in the gallery. I want to acknowledge the efficiency of security and other officers in removing those individuals. As they seriously did interrupt proceedings in the House and it was obviously very difficult to hear members and questions, including the Leader of the Opposition's question and the Prime Minister, I just want you to report, when you're able to, on the strengthening of the security protocols that you undertook on 4 July 2024 and any other measures that might be required, on efficacy and, of course, if anyone in this House signed in the individuals responsible for the protesting and whether there'll be any penalties or other action taken against people who have disrupted parliament.

The SPEAKER (15:21): I thank the Manager of Opposition Business for the question. A number of members have raised similar concerns with me. The normal procedures and processes will be followed, which will be a report given to me by the Serjeant-at-Arms regarding the incident, and I will report back to the—

Opposition members interjecting—

The SPEAKER: Order! I'm responding to the question made by the manager. I thought you might be interested in that. I will report back to the manager with the relevant information, including all appropriate actions that I can take regarding the matter.