Fed: PM opens door to ALP parlt changes ahead of Speaker
Prime Minister JOHN HOWARD has opened the door to Labor proposals to revamp parliamentwhile his government prepares to vote in a new Speaker.
Mr HOWARD says he's prepared to consider procedural changes if they improve the runningand standard of the House of Representatives.
He made the comments ahead of tomorrow's meeting of government MPs that will selectthe Speaker and Deputy Speaker positions.
Incumbent NEIL ANDREW is up against backbenchers DAVID JULL and DAVID HAWKER for theposition and is favoured to retain the position.
There is also a battle for the Deputy Speaker position, with the job that in a coalitiongovernment traditionally goes to the National Party.
The Nationals want NSW MP IAN CAUSLEY to take the job but Mr HOWARD has said the LiberalParty can challenge for the position.
Mr HOWARD says he'll direct manager of government business TONY ABBOTT to talk to hisLabor counterpart about some of the Opposition's proposals.
Labor's proposals include rotating the speaker position between the parties every two terms.
Mr HOWARD has told the Nine Network he's not prepared for radical proposals.
AAP RTV sw/jtb
KEYWORD: SPEAKER (CANBERRA)
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