The opposition is unhappy with the government’s proposal to change the rules governing the running of the House of Representatives, accusing Labor of trying to push through bills with little debate or scrutiny.
The changes would leave the lower house “up there with the Russian Duma as a toothless legislative body”, said opposition business manager Paul Fletcher.
“It means issuing the bills quickly with virtually no debate or scrutiny.”
Warringah MP Zali Steggall noted the disruptions come from both sides of parliament, while Clark independent Andrew Wilkie raised some concerns with Labour’s changes.
“I don’t think there’s any reason why we can’t be ready to sit down after 10 [questions] if the matter is really attracting that kind of interest from members and other people want to talk,” Wilkie said.
“We need to make this site easier to use, but not at the cost of working properly.
“And when something is urgent, almost by definition, you know it’s a big deal. And we might have to sit down after 10… [instead of] Let’s go back to our hotel for some peace.”
Meanwhile, Greens leader Adam Bandt welcomed the government by asking additional questions on the crossbenches.
“One of the very clear messages from the last election is that there are other voices that want to be heard to hold the government to account.”
House Leader Tony Burke responded by saying that “all we have now is a significant improvement [on] where we have been for a long time.”