It's not Hoyle, but it's not complete havoc either

When this happens the ref will blow it up and there will be a penalty. The penalty count at the end of the game will decide the winner. The end of the game will be the 2013 poll.

For the uninitiated observer, it's as if the ref - the acting speaker Anna Burke - has no control. But this is not the case.

Just as the rugby league five-eighth throws a long blind cut-out pass and trusts the receiver will be in place, in the House the cut-out passes and jinking steps are the same.

The level of trust is relative to the tactics being employed and the speaker is letting the game flow as best it can within the confines of the new engagement.

The new engagement in the House is the same as the new engagement on the rugby league paddock where the increase in volume and colour of the language is designed to un-nerve both the opposition and the referee.

The collateral damage is that it is also un-nerving the electorate and, without the benefit of illumination, may have the effect of attenuating trust in the institution of parliament itself.

The new engagement is a function of the hung parliament and it is proving to be both entertaining and revealing. It would be truly unfortunate if it were to be abandoned in future parliaments in a reversion to paralysing, endless argument.