Page 3694 - Week 13 - Tuesday, 15 October 1991

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What we really need to do here is look at what is the fairest and most sensible way to go. If people find Mr Stevenson's methodology unfair, then I am quite prepared to suggest that this is a better way to go. The Estimates Committee has operated under basically the same system for quite some time, and has operated very well over some 60 hours of sitting and taking decisions. It can work, and I think it is entirely appropriate that it does work.

I think my suggestion for a quorum of five is sensible. We all know that, when we try to get committees together and we do not have a quorum, it can be a very frustrating experience. This is particularly so with something as important and critical as the Administration and Procedures Committee. So, a quorum of five is an important arrangement. Perhaps somebody might prefer a quorum of three, but I think that would be inadequate to implement what this chamber should be trying to do.

Mr Jensen: There is more to the Administration and Procedures Committee than just that.

MR MOORE: I presume that by "just that" Mr Jensen means the arranging of private members' business, and of course that is true. A whole series of things that happen within the Administration and Procedures Committee are important to all members. Mr Jensen has provided us with a very good argument to accept the amendment I have put. It will ensure that there is an opportunity for everybody to be involved in everything the Administration and Procedures Committee does, right through from assessing the travel of members and expenditure on committees to arranging private members' business.

I suggest that Mr Humphries and Mr Stevenson see the good sense of the amendment I have put and withdraw their own amendments and that Mr Jensen accept that amendment into his motion.

Debate (on motion by Mr Connolly) adjourned.

Sitting suspended from 4.51 to 8.00 pm

ADMINISTRATION AND PROCEDURES - STANDING COMMITTEE
Size and Membership

MR HUMPHRIES (8.00), by leave: I move:

(1) That paragraph (c) of temporary order 16A be amended by deleting "3" and substituting "5"; and

(2) That the present members of that committee (other than the Speaker) be discharged and the following members be appointed:
Mr Duby, Mr Collaery, Mrs Grassby, Mrs Nolan and Mr Stefaniak.


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