Page 3600 - Week 12 - Thursday, 19 September 1991
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .
ADJOURNMENT
Motion (by Mr Berry) proposed:
That the Assembly do now adjourn.
Bruce Stadium - Lease by Canberra Raiders
MR COLLAERY (6.08): I refer to a conversation earlier today in the chamber where there was a reference to legal chicanery. I still feel obliged to correct the record. I do that only because the unfortunate exchange between the Chief Minister and me could, on reflection, be used in any litigation in future to weaken the Government's position, were there to be any litigation. I think it is important that it not be able to be argued that the Territory, at any time, as an entity, has sought to trick the other side.
I seek leave simply to table a letter, which is an instruction from me to John McIntyre that all negotiations should take place between his company's solicitors and the Government Solicitor. It says very little more than that, and I do not believe that it breaches any of the commercial ethical obligations that should exist. I feel that it should be put on the record as an arm's length arrangement that I set up as Deputy Chief Minister.
In retrospect, I wish that the Chief Minister had not used that language. In retrospect, I believe that it would be better all round, rather than my trying to force an apology or withdrawal, for me simply to seek leave to put this letter on the table so that it can be seen that I said to the Raiders:
I consider that the prospect of negotiations being successfully concluded would be enhanced by permitting our respective legal representatives to continue unimpeded.
Leave granted.
MR COLLAERY: I thank members. I wish to have the letter incorporated in Hansard.
Leave granted.
Document incorporated at Appendix 1.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .