MPs will be able to contribute to parliamentary proceedings without being in Canberra for the first time, under a deal struck between the government and opposition.
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Attorney-General and the government's leader in the House of Representatives Christian Porter on Thursday released a strict set of rules parliamentarians must abide by if they want to participate in sittings remotely over the next fortnight due to the coronavirus pandemic.
As reported by The Canberra Times earlier this week, while MPs will not be able to vote if they are not physically present in the chamber, they will be able to ask and answer questions in question time and participate during debates.
They will not be able to move or second any motion, call for a division or be counted in a quorum.
MPs must also use the "official parliamentary video facility" from either an electorate office or Commonwealth parliament office and give the chair 15 minutes notice if they want to speak.
Those participating remotely will have their contributions recorded in Hansard.
MPs who wish to participate via videolink must also apply to the Speaker for special consideration and provide reasons why the pandemic has made it "essentially impossible, unreasonably impractical or would give rise to an unreasonable risk" for the member to attend Parliament in person.
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"The government welcomes the trial of this innovative technology to allow members who can't be physically present in the Parliament to contribute to debate," Mr Porter said.
"The gradual introduction of this technology will occur over the next fortnight to ensure a staged and tested implementation."
- For information on COVID-19, please go to the ACT Health website or the federal Health Department's website.
- You can also call the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080
- If you have serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, call Triple Zero (000)
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