Page 4821 - Week 16 - Thursday, 29 November 1990
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MR KAINE: I am not aware of the events that Mr Connolly describes, and I am not sure that it is in my portfolio area of responsibility anyway; but I would think that if there is any substance to what was said it would certainly warrant some follow-up. I think the sensible thing to do would be to ask the appropriate Minister to speak to the editor. If he has a problem he might have put it to the Government instead of to the ABC. I would think that that would be the sensible way to have his problem solved. I would also invite him to call me if he thinks it is a matter that I should be involved in.
MR CONNOLLY: I have a supplementary question. We were told the other day that the Chief Minister is the relevant Minister for questions of leasing and the granting of leases. Will he take action to investigate the matter?
MR SPEAKER: I think that has already been answered, Mr Connolly.
X-Rated Videos
MS MAHER: My question is to Mr Collaery as Attorney-General. Is the Attorney-General aware of the statements made by Mr Dowd that the production of X-rated videos will be banned in New South Wales? What effect will this have on the ACT?
MR COLLAERY: I thank Ms Maher for the question. It is difficult to say what effect it could have on the ACT; but the suggestions that have been put to me today are that, if we do not ban the sale, it is hypocritical of us to ban the production. As members are well aware, this is largely a conscience vote on this side of the house. Certainly, my individual view is that I would not welcome the move of production facilities into the ACT. I do not think I am particularly excited at the prospect of seeing "Debbie Does Dickson" or anything else. I do not think that is appropriate for the national capital.
Mr Dowd's decision to do this follows some very vexed discussions that we have all had with State Attorneys-General on the simple fact that the States are basically hypocritical in their approach. Western Australia, of course, is the only State that bans even possession of them; yet if you go to Perth airport tomorrow, Mr Duby, you will be able to get What's On In Perth and the back two or three pages usually show access to X-rated videos. That is the State of high hypocrisy.
I am delighted that John Dowd, Attorney-General for New South Wales, has put New South Wales on the line. He is not prepared to allow that hypocrisy to continue. I very much welcome his decision to ban production in those places where it has been taking place. My office has assisted the New South Wales Government in identifying one or two of the
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