Qld: Another MP booted out of parliament

AAP General News (Australia)
02-16-2006
Qld: Another MP booted out of parliament

BRISBANE, Feb 16 AAP - Speaker Tony McGrady has continued his crackdown on disorder
in Queensland's parliament by ejecting another opposition MP.

Nationals MP Howard Hobbs was forced to leave the chamber today after Mr McGrady ordered
him to stop interjecting during Question Time.

The action followed Mr McGrady's decision yesterday to suspend parliament for 15 minutes
after losing patience with Nationals MP Kev Lingard, who was suspended for 24 hours.

Accusing Mr Lingard of causing "grave disorder", Mr McGrady refused to admit he had
overreacted, stressing he was charged with keeping order in the parliament.

He continued on the warpath today, warning several coalition members including Opposition
Leader Lawrence Springborg to improve their behaviour or face eviction.

Yesterday's suspension from parliament sparked strong criticism from Mr Springborg
who later moved a motion of dissent in the Speaker.

Premier Peter Beattie today referred Mr Springborg's statements to the parliamentary
ethics committee, accusing him of not showing enough respect towards the Speaker.

AAP nt/sc/jm/sd

KEYWORD: PARLY QLD

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