Page 1518 - Week 08 - Wednesday, 27 September 1989
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MR WHALAN (Deputy Chief Minister) (12.32): I think the first thing that has to be said about this matter is that on Monday, when we were discussing the business of the Assembly for this week, a proposal was put forward by the Government that last night's sitting be devoted to private members' business. The Residents Rally party refused that proposal outright on the basis that there was too much government business on the business paper, that that should be dealt with and disposed of, and that private members' business should be confined to the Wednesday morning, as provided for in the standing orders. Now, quite clearly, having made that proposal, the Government has then proceeded to order its business on the expectation that the Residents Rally party would honour the position that it had adopted in relation to this matter only 24 hours previously.
It is very difficult to reconcile the behaviour on this matter - and I am assuming that there has been a caucus between the Liberal Party and the Residents Rally party on this particular issue - - -
Mr Kaine: On a point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker; that is a reflection on the members of the Liberal Party. No such caucus has taken place and I would ask - - -
MR WHALAN: I withdraw unequivocally. To suggest such a thing is to suggest the most terrible bad taste on the part of the Liberal Party. We must consider the consequences of what we have before us. First of all, an opportunity is provided during private members' business for the sorts of business that we have had before the Assembly today. Mr Prowse has introduced a most draconian piece of legislation which, if it is adopted by the Assembly, will have the most far-reaching and disastrous effects upon the health and well-being of our community.
Members interjected.
MR WHALAN: It could be demonstrated from the hysteria on the other side of the chamber that there is a difference of opinion on this particular matter, and it is for that reason that we believe there should be a sane debate, not this steamrolling effect; that there should be a sane inquiry; that there should be the opportunity for consultation with the community instead of this steamrolling effect that we are finding thrust upon the Assembly, with its consequences for the people of the ACT. As a result of the motion which will take two hours of government business this afternoon, that business which is of considerable importance to this community will not be debated until after 5.00 pm.
Mr Collaery: Tell us what the government business is that is of considerable importance.
MR WHALAN: Mr Deputy Speaker, can you protect me from this person?
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