Page 708 - Week 05 - Wednesday, 5 July 1989
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MR WHALAN: Mr Speaker, in relation to the latter, the files are there. Could I invite Mr Collaery to examine the files and find out for himself? In relation to the first part of the question, Mr Speaker, I think it is about time that we, as an assembly, and you particularly, as presiding officer, did something to protect citizens who are not here in this chamber. I think it is quite appropriate for members of this Assembly - it may not be appropriate, but it is a risk that we run - to be the subject of character assassination here on the floor of this chamber. But when this person over there is allowed to use this chamber, and the parliamentary privilege that we have - - -
Mr Collaery: On a point of order, Mr Speaker; the Minister can either decline or answer the question, on my interpretation of the standing orders. If he wishes to raise an issue of privilege relating to the question I asked, I ask that he put it on motion so that we can debate it properly at that stage.
MR SPEAKER: I take the Minister's point and it is well taken. I would ask him and Mr Collaery to visit my office after the Assembly rises tonight and we will discuss this further. Minister, will you please be concise with the answer to the question asked?
MR WHALAN: Mr Speaker, I would like to answer the question further. Just in response to your remark, I am not quite sure of the purpose of coming to discuss this with you privately, but I must say that the question was directed at me. The allegations, the character assassination, have been undertaken and perpetrated by him. He is the person, Mr Speaker. I suggest that you might like to take Mr Collaery aside and try to impress upon him that he should have some respect for the character and reputations of people outside this chamber? In the short time that this Assembly has been in operation he has engaged in a process of character assassination of two people. I shudder to think how many other innocent people in this Territory are going to suffer at his vicious manner - - -
Mr Collaery: I rise on a point of order, Mr Speaker. The Minister is not replying to a question. He is indicating why he does not wish to answer it, and in doing so he is launching a personal attack.
Mr Whalan: On a point of order - - -
MR SPEAKER: Minister, please allow me to control this. Mr Collaery, would you please stop raising points of order? I have allowed the Minister to proceed. However, Minister, would you please get to the point. You may proceed.
Mr Whalan: I have finished, Mr Speaker.
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