Page 541 - Week 03 - Tuesday, 20 March 1990
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However, I re-emphasise the fact that, while these areas may have been considered as precincts for the purposes of security, the Assembly precincts remain undefined until the Assembly takes a decision to detail them formally. After consultation with party leaders, my intention is to arrange for the introduction of a motion for this purpose.
Chronicle Articles
MR SPEAKER: On Thursday, 22 February 1990, I was asked by Mr Berry a question without notice concerning the content of my articles which are published weekly in the northside and southside Chronicle. The purpose of these articles is to inform residents of Canberra about items of interest which are occurring in the ACT Legislative Assembly and give background information regarding the Assembly. My aim is that, through these articles, the Assembly will be seen to be more accessible to the public, and positive publicity about the role and functions of the Assembly will be generated.
In his question, Mr Berry pointed out that a number of proceedings in the Assembly had not been covered in the articles dated 13 and 20 February. I might add that had Mr Berry delayed voicing his concern until the full series of articles on the sitting period were published - that is, 13, 20 and 27 February and 6 March - he would have had little complaint. I point out that the Chronicle imposes a word limit on the weekly article that is published.
Mr Berry: Rubbish!
MR SPEAKER: Thank you for that interjection. I hear an interjection to an answer given to a question without notice. I will take Mr Berry to task on his comment that it was rubbish that a wording limitation is imposed by the Chronicle. That is absolutely - - -
Mr Jensen: Rubbish.
MR SPEAKER: I will not say any more. I am just disgusted with the situation. But I will go on. I am sure that members would agree that trying to cover all the activities of a week's sitting of the Assembly in such a small space would be very difficult, if not impossible. However, my intention is to achieve a balanced reporting of all issues coming before the Assembly, even given the space constraints imposed by the Chronicle. In doing so, I will promote the Assembly in an impartial and independent way, as the office of Speaker requires me to do.
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