Matter of Public Importance (MPI)

Print version of this script (PDF 114KB)

Explanatory notes: Every sitting day of the Assembly opens with the Serjeant-at-Arms (who is also the Deputy Clerk) leads the Speaker into the chamber and announces them. All members will already be present in the chamber and stand as the Speaker enters. All members remain standing until after the acknowledgement and reflection. Every member can only speak once during the discussion.

(All members stand)

(Serjeant-at-Arms (Deputy Clerk) and Speaker enter the Assembly chamber. If a mace has been made, the Serjeant-at-Arms carries this.)

Serjeant-at-Arms: Members, the Speaker

(Speaker and Serjeant-at-Arms stand at their chairs)

Speaker: At the beginning of this session of the Assembly I acknowledge that we are meeting on the lands of the Ngunnawal people, the traditional owners. I respect their continuing culture and the unique contribution they make to the life of this area. Members, I would ask you to stand in silence and pray or reflect on our responsibilities to the people of the Australian Capital Territory.

(Speaker sits after 5 seconds silence, all members and Clerks sit)

Speaker: Thank you members, please sit. I have received letters from [student name], [student name] and [student name] proposing that matters of public importance be submitted to the Assembly. In accordance with standing order 79, I have determined that the matter proposed by [student name] be submitted,

“The importance of [insert topic drawn from the hat]

Speaker: I call Mr/Miss [surname] to speak.

(Member whose MPI topic was drawn from the hat stands to speak)

Member: Thank you, Mr/Madam Speaker.

[Insert speech written during time provided earlier in the lesson]

(Member sits)

REPEAT THE FOLLOWING PROCESS—until time expires or all members who wish to speak have spoken. [suggested total time 5-15 minutes]

(Other members—Stand if you wish to speak to this debate, wait for the Speakers call)

Speaker: I call Mr/Miss [surname] to speak.

(If the Speaker selects you by saying you name stay standing for your speech, members not selected sit)

Member: Thank you, Mr/Madam Speaker.

[Insert prepared speech]

(Member sits)

(REPEAT until all members have had a chance to contribute to the discussion)

Speaker: The time for the MPI has expired. It is my understanding that the Assembly wishes to adjourn. The chair will be resumed at the next sitting.

(Members can leave the chamber)

Matter of Public Importance (MPI) examples

Print version of the MPI topics (PDF 77KB)

Topics for MPIs always follow the format of "The importance of......"

Topics are submitted by members and are drawn from a hat by the Speaker on a sitting morning. Listed below are three examples on topics for new laws to help reduce homelessness which is a theme of Mr Stink by David Walliams.

The importance of a law to provide a home for homeless people.

Submitted by (name):

The importance of the government budget law including funding for charities that help homeless people.

Submitted by (name):

The importance of a law requiring police checks for people providing food and clothing to homeless people.

Submitted by (name):