Page 678 - Week 03 - Wednesday, 21 March 1990
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Basically, what has occurred in this place has been the establishment of a code of secrecy where nobody can find out what this Government is up to. Either it is doing nothing or it has some grand plans which are still in the early stages, but it is very clear that it is operating behind closed doors.
Clearly, the Government opposite is not about providing services for the people of the Territory. It is not about proving its worth to the people who elected it. Indeed, this Government will continue to wind down this Territory in pursuit of its ideological objectives which, as Mr Humphries admits, are yet to be seen in its legislative program - that is if it can eliminate the differences between the Liberal ideologies and those of its other members. Mr Collaery has always claimed that he is a real lefty; I do not know how he is going to get along with Mr Stefaniak. But, again, Mr Collaery listens to his own propaganda too much and Mr Stefaniak makes no apologies for his position.
In its first 100 days, this Government has done little for the people of Canberra except wander around and enjoy the trappings of office which will be improved if Mr Kaine has his way at some time in the future. I think that the credibility of this place is damaged by the actions - or inactions - of the Government opposite and unless it can get its act in order over the next two years - and it appears at the present rate of improvement that it will not - the people of Canberra will rightly elect a Labor Government with an overwhelming majority next time.
MR SPEAKER: Order! The time for discussion on this matter has expired.
STANDING ORDERS
Statement by Member
MR BERRY (4.53): Mr Speaker, I seek leave to make a statement in relation to standing order 40.
Leave granted.
MR BERRY: Mr Speaker, you have taken the opportunity to draw my attention to standing order 40 of the standing and temporary orders about the acknowledgement of the Chair. I would be quite happy to do that if you would indicate how you would like that acknowledgement presented.
MR SPEAKER: Thank you for that opportunity. It is common knowledge that in all parliaments and in the judiciary a nod of the head towards the Chair is the accepted method.
MR BERRY: So you would like me to bow?
MR SPEAKER: No, a nod of the head would do, thank you.
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