What happens if members disagree with the Speakers ruling?

Thanks for your question, Jessica.

If a member of parliament disagrees with a ruling made by the Presiding Officer (the Speaker of the House of Representatives or the President of the Senate), they can move a ‘motion of dissent.’ This is a formal way of expressing disagreement with the ruling. The motion is then debated and voted on by members.  If the motion of dissent is agreed to by a majority, the ruling is overturned.

Alternatively, a member of parliament can move a ‘motion of no confidence’ in the Presiding Officer. If this motion is agreed to, the Presiding Officer would lose their position, and the House or Senate would elect a new Speaker or President. These types of motions are very rare.