Left: The entrance of the A.C.T. Legislative Assembly building in Canberra. Right: The Assembly’s Mace.
• The management of speaking time for Members involves: • Consultation with Ministers and Members on speaking lists and times; • Discussion with other segments of the Chamber regarding speak- ing lists, speech times, provision of amendments; • Consultation with fellow party Members on the distribution of speaking opportunities for Ministers and Members;
• Consultation with and advice to party Members on the motions for non-executive business, MPIs, and questions without notice (QWON), and • Monitoring and advising on pro- gress of question time and advising the Chief Minister on such progress as well as providing ad hoc questions without notice as required. The management of absences
through pairing arrangements means: • Liaising with caucus Members on
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requirements for absence; • Advising on appropriateness of absence if not for health, family or ministerial duties, and • Advising the Speaker and the Assembly of pairs in operation and pairs concluded.
Whips assist Ministers in time management in order that their departmental support resources are deployed efficiently and are not subject to time wastage. Whips
compile time predictions per item of business, advise Ministers and Cabinet Office of predictions, in order that advisers and departmental officials are aware of the times speeches and their presence in the gallery are required. Liaison with the cabinet support
section requires:
• Liaison with Cabinet Office on compilation of the daily programme for sitting weeks, and