Page 399 - Week 04 - Tuesday, 27 June 1989
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describing themselves variously as Deputy Leader of the Opposition, shadow Minister and shadow Attorney-General. Will you examine this aspect and issue a ruling that such titles not be used at least pending receipt of the legal opinion and after due consideration about the confusion that it is creating in the public mind?
MR SPEAKER: I will address that matter at this time. Firstly, I might state that I take umbrage at the inference made during a media interview with Mr Collaery that this issue has been conveniently swept aside. That is not the case. This issue has been pursued with vigour by me and by the Secretariat. As Mr Collaery is aware, the legal profession requires an intermediary solicitor to present our brief to the barrister who will offer an opinion on this matter. In an attempt to save the public purse, I requested the permission of the Chief Minister to use the Government Solicitor as an intermediary. Unfortunately, this process has resulted in an unacceptable delay, for which I apologise.
With the wisdom of hindsight, I would have taken the alternative course. However, I believe that approval has now been granted and that the issue can be actively investigated. I can assure Mr Collaery that all members of the Assembly desire to have this contentious issue resolved as quickly as possible and that I personally do not intend to allow this or any other matter raised on the floor of this Assembly to be swept aside.
With respect to a ruling on the use of titles by the members of the elected Opposition, I see my role as following the formal decision of the Assembly. The vote was taken, and until that vote is swept aside or confirmed I am bound by the standing orders to allow the use of that term "Leader of the Opposition". I might add, though, in the interests of collegiate style and conferencing between Mr Collaery's party and that of the Liberals, I have suggested to individual members that they may wish not to use the term "shadow Minister". I take your point, but I do again strongly put to you that this issue has not been swept aside and that as soon as possible it will be resolved.
TAFE Teachers
MR KAINE: To get down to a question of real concern to the community, I would like to ask the Minister for Industry, Employment and Education a question in terms of a recent media release from ACT TAFE which seemed to be an explanation for a shortage of teaching staff in the auto-electrical course. I ask the Minister: Is there a teacher shortage in the auto-electrical school of the ACT TAFE? If so, what is the Government doing to rectify it? Can the Minister give an assurance that the students will be able to finish the courses they have started in that school?
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