Page 4908 - Week 17 - Tuesday, 11 December 1990
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Mr Moore's actions were such that he further lowered the dignity of the Assembly. However, I believe that childlike tantrums will result in a community response which will not be to his benefit. Nevertheless, I warn Mr Moore that a repeat performance will not be tolerated. I call on members to behave in an orderly manner and observe the standing orders in the proper form of debate.
QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
Security Arrangements
MS FOLLETT: Mr Speaker, my question is to you, and I would ask you: who authorised the so-called security arrangements which now prevent free access to this building; what is the cost of those arrangements; who will be paying for them; and where does that item occur in the budget?
MR SPEAKER: I would like to comment on that security aspect. To give some background to the issue: security is one issue that has been of concern to me for a number of months. In fact, there has been a series of incidents which have been worrying, and they have pointed up the need to advance security measures. As Speaker, I called for a report and have proposed improvements over the last 18 months. The current arrangements have my support.
I was kept informed of all proposals leading up to the implementation of the current trial; however, the timing and other details relating to the forwarding of passes were decided at officer level and, unfortunately, neither the Clerk nor I was kept informed. I took umbrage at that situation, and I am sure that the public servants involved in that have been informed of the error of their ways.
The situation is that, as far as public access to the chamber goes, this is a trial. I believe it is important that we do carry it out as a trial, and if we find that the public are impeded in any unacceptable manner we will review the situation and take appropriate action. The arrangements are in place for the issuing of appropriate passes for Assembly members and staff, as well as individuals nominated by members who need regular access to the building. I think it is an improvement in that members of the public who wish to see members will be notified in advance that they are being expected on whichever floor they are being issued a pass to visit. I think that is desirable in some circumstances. The majority of people do not cause a problem, but there are a few people who do.
One area of apparent misunderstanding is that relating to the security responsibility which, in turn, is dependent on the definition of the Assembly's precincts. I pass back to members that on 29 May I wrote to party leaders and the independent members proposing that the Assembly consider
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