NSW GOVERNMENT TO SUPPORT GREG PIPER AS INDEPENDENT SPEAKER OF THE LOWER HOUSE
Member for Lake Macquarie and Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Greg Piper
The NSW Government has offered to support the Member for Lake Macquarie and Assistant Speaker Greg Piper to be the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly in the 58th Parliament.
The Legislative Assembly will vote for the position on its return in May.
The NSW Government supports having an independent speaker.
The Government will be providing support for Mr Piper to be the Speaker based on merit and his experience.
The Government will put its election mandate to the NSW Parliament and continue its good faith approach to dealing with crossbenchers and independents.
The Government respects the parliament that has been voted in by the people of NSW and will work collaboratively with independents and minor parties in the lower house as it did in Opposition during the last parliamentary term.
Quotes attributable to Ron Hoenig, Member for Heffron:
“As Assistant Speaker Mr Piper has shown that he would serve this role capably and with the utmost integrity.
“We believe it is in the best interests of the people of NSW to have both an experienced and independent speaker presiding over the legislative assembly.
“The Government is committed to working with crossbenchers and independents in good faith to deliver for the people of NSW.”
Quotes attributable to Greg Piper, Independent Member for Lake Macquarie:
“I’m honoured to have the support of new Labor Premier Chris Minns for the role of Speaker in the 58th Legislative Assembly.
“As the Premier has said throughout his recent campaign, this is an opportunity for a fresh start in NSW. I agree wholeheartedly.
“Notwithstanding that ours is an adversarial parliamentary system, there is room for considerable improvement in the Chamber and I look forward to working with all members to raise the regard for proceedings in the eyes of the public.
“That said, the Lake Macquarie electorate will remain my priority and I will work hard to justify the enormous vote of confidence the people have placed in me with my recent re-election.
“I thank Premier Minns for his endorsement, and I thank my colleagues on the crossbench for their ongoing support.”
