Page 2626 - Week 12 - Thursday, 16 November 1989
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The next item of government business that we are to proceed to relates to workers compensation, which is one of the most fundamental pieces of legislation that we have to debate in this Assembly. Yesterday, during private members' business, when we could have dealt with Mr Stevenson's matter, we were denied that opportunity.
In relation to the practical administration of this chamber we heard, by rumour, that Mr Stevenson planned to effect this ploy and we are fairly confident, given the support that he gets from the opposition, that it will probably support this approach once again. We offered to discuss this matter at 4 o'clock this afternoon and - - -
Mr Stevenson: Not with me, you did not.
MR WHALAN: You are irrelevant. I understood that there was agreement in relation to the 4 o'clock discussion because - - -
Mr Stevenson: Your understanding was incorrect, Paul.
MR WHALAN: That will allow the important business, including the workers compensation, the discussion of the integrated transport strategy and the discussion on the casino to proceed, as was planned and agreed. What is the point of reaching agreement on a pattern of business if somebody can just come in and, on his whim and whimsy, move an amendment to suspend the standing orders? We will strongly oppose the suspension.
MR MOORE (11.45): I agreed with Mr Stevenson this morning that, if nothing more vital came up after lunch, I would be prepared to support the discussion of this. I agree with the Deputy Chief Minister that 4 o'clock is an excellent time to continue the discussion. In that way those members who wish to remain and continue with this debate until 5.30 pm or later - because it is a very important issue - will have the opportunity to do so.
There are some very important issues that need to be discussed. Mr Whalan has mentioned two of them. I happen to think that the transport strategy is an important issue that should be discussed. I am delighted to support the discussion of this issue at 4 o'clock this afternoon, but I really think that we have to continue with other business prior to that time.
Question resolved in the negative.
WORKERS COMPENSATION
Ministerial Statement and Paper
Debate resumed from 17 October 1989, on motion by Mr Whalan:
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