Why do members of parliament address the Speaker and not the questioner during Question Time?

Under the standing orders – rules of the House of Representatives – members of parliament must address all remarks, including questions, through the Speaker. This shows respect for the Speaker, who runs the meetings in the House of Representatives. It also helps the Speaker keep order and discourages members from engaging in private argument.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives in the Speaker's chair. There is a carving of leaves in the wood behind him.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Penny Bradfield/DPS Auspic

The Speaker of the House of Representatives.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives in the Speaker's chair. There is a carving of leaves in the wood behind him.

Penny Bradfield/DPS Auspic

Description

A man in a suit sits in a large green chair in front of a carved wooden screen. Three people in black robes and wearing face masks sit at a table below him. On the other side of a clear scressn there are books and boxes. A man in a suit stands at the table, resting his hand on one of the boxes.

Permission should be sought from DPS AUSPIC for third-party or commercial uses of this image. To contact DPS AUSPIC email: auspic@aph.gov.au or phone: 02 6277 3342.