Senators call for resumption of pre-covid19 speaking times

TWO Opposition Senators have called for a resumption of the pre-covid19 speaking times.

Opposition Senator Khadijah Ameen made the call while contributing to debate on the Domestic Violence (Amendment) Bill 2010 in the Senate Monday. She said the 20 minutes was "a bit too short" for the contribution.

"I think it is time to allow for full speaking time again."

Previously a mover of a bill was allowed 45 minutes and any other member 40 minutes but this was reduced to 30 minutes and 20 minutes respectively as part of covid19 restrictions.

Later in the sitting Independent Senator Paul Richards requested that the Senate return to the original speaking times, and pointed out with the latest phase of the reopening of the economy by Government public servants had gone back out to work.

He said the reversion would require the consideration of both the government and opposition benches. He added, however, that the increased time was necessary in light of the debates like the Domestic Violence (Amendment) Bill.

"I have so much to say. I will not get through one tenth of what I want to say."

In April in the House the Leader of the House moved a motion that, during the period of the current global pandemic, the time limit for speeches in debates be reduced to 20 minutes, with no extensions, except for the mover of and first responder to the motion, who will be granted 30 minutes.