Page 1256 - Week 07 - Wednesday, 23 August 1989
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statements; a very public association with Katharine West; the interest rate meetings which have been held in the Tuggeranong Town Centre; the public association with the repressive move-on powers that have been raised here; and now we see this final stage of the politicisation - - -
Mr Stefaniak: Only repressive for a few criminals, Paul.
MR WHALAN: Well, when you see the interpretations of the legislation which are possible you will realise that what it will be doing is moving on the criminals rather than arresting them.
This is a tragic occasion when the Tuggeranong Community Council has been politicised in this way to such an extent that the effectiveness of this organisation in its role as a representative of the people of Tuggeranong is being frustrated.
Mr Speaker, this matter is simply another poor try by the Residents Rally party to put me on the defensive. Regardless of the outcome of any vote that is taken here today, it has failed because as usual they have not done their homework. If they are getting this desperate, I am developing a greater sense of confidence about being able to make a long-term contribution to the Government from this side of the chamber.
MR HUMPHRIES (4.03): Mr Speaker, I think I need to seek leave to move an amendment to the motion that stands before the Assembly. If I do, I so seek leave.
MR SPEAKER: No. Please proceed.
MR HUMPHRIES: In that case, Mr Speaker, I move the following amendment to the motion:
Delete "censures", substitute "admonishes".
MR SPEAKER: I request that that be put in writing.
MR HUMPHRIES: Mr Speaker, I think the comments that one should make about this kind of motion are fairly obvious. A motion of censure of a Minister is a very titillating occurrence and causes a great deal of attention. I have no doubt at all that this will be the lead item on the news programs this evening and in tomorrow morning's newspaper, despite the fact that the Assembly today has dealt with other important matters such as establishing a select committee to look at the cultural activities of the ACT, considering the question of fluoridation, and considering other important matters in question time. It concerns me that this should be the case.
I am concerned because I believe it reflects to some extent, and the underlying reasons for this motion reflect, not just on the Minister concerned but also on the entire conduct of this Assembly. It does so because, as a new
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