What exactly happens when you get booted out of the House of Representatives under 94A?
The Speaker of the House of Representatives
Penny Bradfield/DPS Auspic
The Speaker of the House of Representatives
Penny Bradfield/DPS Auspic
Description
The Speaker is a member of the House of Representatives who has been chosen to run the meetings of the House. In the House of Representatives the Speaker sits in a large, green, elevated chair behind a desk. From this position, the Speaker can see and hear all other members and all other members can see the Speaker.
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Under 94a of the House of Representatives Standing Orders, the Speaker of the House of Representatives can direct a disorderly member to leave the debate for one hour. During that hour, the member cannot enter the House; they cannot participate in the meeting and cannot make a speech or vote.
94a helps the Speaker keep order in the House. It is most often used during Question Time which can be the liveliest part of the sitting day. During Question Time, members of parliament can ask the government to explain its actions and decisions. Members will sometimes call out when the Prime Minister or a minister is answering a question. The Speaker may give the member a warning, however if they decide their conduct is too disorderly, the Speaker can immediately suspend them from the House under 94a.