F16: The Selection of Speakers

Motion withdrawn and not debated

Proposed by: 11 members

Mover: Toby Keynes.

Summation: David Barnsdale.

Conference believes that:

1. There can be no genuine and meaningful debate unless opposing viewpoints are heard, even if one side may appear to be in a small minority.
2. Genuine, balanced debate should bring forward ideas and arguments that participants have not previously considered, may identify major flaws in a motion and should result in better decision-making.

Conference resolves to amend conference standing order 8.7 as follows:

Delete: ‘The chair shall be responsible for the choice of the speakers and shall attempt to provide a balanced debate between the different viewpoints in the conference, but may announce a departure from this rule if there is an overwhelming preponderance of members wishing to speak on the same side.’ and insert: ‘The chair shall be responsible for the choice of speakers and shall aim to provide an evenly balanced debate between the different viewpoints in the conference, even if there is a clear preponderance of members wishing to speak on the same side.’

For the text of the existing Federal Conference standing orders, see page 107 of this Conference Agenda.

Applicability: Federal.

Mover: 5 minutes; all other speakers: 3 minutes.

For eligibility and procedure for speaking in this debate, see page 9. To submit a speaker’s card, complete this form.

The deadline for amendments to this motion is 13.00, Monday 28 February; see page 12. Amendments selected for debate will be published in the Conference Extra and Saturday Conference Daily updates to the Conference Agenda.

The deadline for requests for separate votes is 11.00 Friday 11 March; see page 9.

Standing order amendments require a two thirds majority to pass.