Page 3109 - Week 14 - Thursday, 7 December 1989
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certain actions taken by a certain member of the Government, and it is very important that we do have that opportunity at the earliest possible time. But, if we are going to have no question time today, then we will be denied that opportunity. So we see once again further evidence of the determination of these people to deny democracy within the ACT.
Mr Kaine: On a point of order, Mr Speaker; I am not clear on just what motion the deputy leader of the Opposition is speaking. He seems now to be speaking to some motion that has not even been foreshadowed, let alone is on the books, and I would like to have him brought back to debate the matter that is before the house.
MR SPEAKER: Thank you, Chief Minister. I take the point. Please stick close to the point, Mr Whalan.
MR WHALAN: Mr Kaine, in moving this motion, pleaded for time, Mr Speaker, to get his act together. Now, of course, this is further confirmation - - -
Mr Humphries: We gave you that time.
MR WHALAN: This is further confirmation. Mr Humphries, no doubt you will be the ringmaster in getting the act together for Trevor's circus. I cannot understand why the time which is being allowed to Mr Kaine to get his circus act together should in any way detract from the rights of private members. There is no role for the Government other than to respond to private members. We have got a full agenda on the notice paper of business for private members. There are 15 items on that particular notice paper. Whether or not the circus is together and performing is irrelevant because they do not have to participate in this debate if they do not wish to do so. This is private members' business. So what they are doing is hiding behind their lack of preparation to try to conceal their divisions and the fact that they cannot reach agreement on important issues like which of the senior public servants are going to get sacked.
I predict that, in the same way as they are going to reorganise Jeff Townsend's department so that his job disappears - he will not be sacked, he just will not have a job; it will be as simple as that - and Mr Humphries has already said it, they are going to do that with Eric Willmot. They are going to eliminate Eric Willmot's job and then he will be welcome to apply for the new position which is created. Of course, we all know, tongue in cheek, what that means. What is going to be Geoff Campbell's future, Trevor? Can you give us an unequivocal assurance that Geoff Campbell will not be sacked? We know that Collaery - - -
Mr Moore: And Jensen.
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