19 December 2007

Parliamentary Rugby Team

In response to a request from the Prime Minister, the Speaker, Hon Margaret Wilson, has investigated the Parliamentary rugby team’s use of commercial sponsorship.

‘I have advised the Prime Minister that the matter should be dealt with in the context of a code of conduct for Members.

‘As the incident took place outside the Chamber and did not affect the business of the House, the Speaker has no jurisdiction.

‘Whether or not the Speaker’s control should be extended to cover such matters is one for the Standing Orders Committee.’

The Standing Orders Committee has a proposal for a code before it now and Ms Wilson said she would refer the incident to the committee as part of its consideration of that code.

Ms Wilson has asked the Clerk of the House and the Acting General Manager of Parliamentary Service to consider the issue of participation by their staff in parliamentary sports teams that involve Members of Parliament and sponsorship.
She has suggested the same consideration for Ministerial Services staff.

ENDS

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