The Minister for Parliamentary Business has written to the committee about substitutes. We have been discussing the specific issue of the substitution of members who are in charge of a bill. The minister makes two points that arise from two hiccups. One is, regrettably, about a death, and the other is about a sudden resignation. Under the current rules, a substitute cannot substitute for a member in those circumstances. That seems a bit bizarre.
It is stupid.
It is stupid. The minister makes a good point and the changes that she suggests are fair. We should tie it all together and get it done.
The substitute should substitute full stop, then we will not have these ridiculous situations.
The clerks are producing a draft report on the issue that we discussed, so they can tag on what the minister suggests. Today, we have to agree to discuss the draft report in private at our next meeting.
Super.
Is that all right?
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