Page 3085 - Week 14 - Thursday, 7 December 1989

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .


decision which is binding, contrary to what Mr Donohue, the Sir Robert Sparkes of Canberra, said on the radio yesterday. A binding decision will be made. We will be able to challenge it. I certainly will be doing my very best to challenge it, and I imagine Mr Stevenson and other members of the opposition will be. But the crunch of the matter is still the numbers. Once the decision is binding from that closed-door party room, then we will have a situation in which we cannot have openness in decision making in government. So we have to have honesty at least.

We also have to be seen to have honesty, and that is what the problem is here. We have Mr Collaery stating very clearly to this Assembly that he took certain actions about going to see you, Mr Speaker, and he stated that he did that with Mr Kaine. Then we have Mr Kaine stating exactly the opposite. One of those two people is not being absolutely frank. We need to determine what is the case. It is incumbent upon the Government now to show that it is going to be honest and explain this situation.

MR KAINE: I move:

That the motion be put.

MR SPEAKER: The question is: that the motion for the suspension of standing and temporary orders be agreed to. Those of that opinion say aye, to the contrary no. I think the ayes have it.

Mr Whalan: On a point of order, Mr Speaker; the gag motion is the first motion that you have to put. You did not put the gag motion, Mr Speaker. You must put the gag motion first.

MR SPEAKER: I will take advice.

You are absolutely correct, Mr Whalan.

Question put:

That the question be now put.

The Assembly voted -

AYES, 10  NOES, 7

Mr Collaery Mr Berry
Mr Duby Ms Follett
Mr Humphries Mrs Grassby
Mr Jensen Mr Moore
Mr Kaine Mr Stevenson
Dr Kinloch Mr Whalan
Ms Maher Mr Wood
Mrs Nolan
Mr Prowse
Mr Stefaniak

Question so resolved in the affirmative.


Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .