Queensland Residents draws to the attention of the House the burden on freedom of expression in the terms and conditions of use for broadcasts of the Legislative Assembly pursuant to section 58 of the Parliament of Queensland Act 2001. The terms and conditions that govern the broadcast of Parliamentary proceedings risk being used to limit the freedom of expression of members of the public seeking to hold Parliamentarians to account for statements they make in Parliament. Complaints and referrals under these provisions to the Parliamentary Ethics Committee risk being misused to prosecute grievances with members of the public in a manner unbecoming of an MP and in a manner not intended or envisioned by the Parliament.

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to refer an inquiry to the Committee of the Legislative Assembly to consider such amendments to the Parliament of Queensland Act 2001 and the terms and conditions that would relax restrictions around the use of Parliamentary material, publications and broadcasts for satirical purpose and any other undue burdens on the freedom of expression that the Committee may wish to consider. Further, the Committee should investigate whether any special protections apart from Parliamentary privilege and causes of action in defamation are necessary to preserve the reputation of Parliament or of any benefit to the functioning of our democracy.