Page 2938 - Week 13 - Thursday, 23 November 1989
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MR WHALAN: Mr Speaker, the point that we have under consideration is the denial to the citizens of the ACT of their right to have an Assembly which sits as it is programmed to sit and to discuss the business paper as it is programmed to discuss it. This is the matter which we have before us. Quite clearly, the denial of their rights, as citizens of the ACT, by this gag motion which Mr Collaery has moved is a fundamental breach of the rights of the citizens of the ACT.
The sorts of opportunities which will be denied by this gag motion, which has been moved by Mr Collaery, include discussion on the fundamentally important issue of the public hospital redevelopment. There has been nothing of greater concern in recent public controversy within the ACT than this issue. There is no reason why this Assembly should not continue to sit today and next week. I believe that the Assembly should sit throughout next week to discuss this particular issue. I believe that what we should be considering is providing the citizens of the ACT with the opportunity to see these people in operation - these people who have become very greedy for power over recent times, who have now obviously struck a deal with you and no doubt, Mr Speaker, we will see - - -
MR SPEAKER: Resume your seat, Deputy Chief Minister.
Mr Jensen: On a point of order, Mr Speaker; I suggest that the Deputy Chief Minister has cast considerable aspersions against you, and I suggest that if he is not very careful, Mr Speaker, he may come under the bounds of standing order 205, which states that when the conduct of a member is of such grossly disorderly nature that the procedures provided in standing order 203 would be inadequate to ensure the urgent protection of the dignity of the Assembly he should be suspended.
MR WHALAN: Mr Speaker - - -
MR SPEAKER: One at a time, thank you, Deputy Chief Minister. Thank you, Mr Jensen, for your observation. I call the Deputy Chief Minister.
MR WHALAN: I move for the suspension of standing orders.
Mr Kaine: Mr Speaker, the Deputy Chief Minister's time has expired.
MR SPEAKER: Order, Mr Kaine!
MR WHALAN: I move for the suspension of standing orders to allow me to canvass the issue, which is that it has been proven by a conversation between you and Mrs Grassby that there have been prior conversations in relation to this motion which has been put on notice today and that it does involve arrangements which have been made between you and Mr Collaery in relation to the future. I submit that there has been - - -
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