Page 3169 - Week 10 - Thursday, 16 September 1993
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .
FREEDOM OF SPEECH
MR MOORE (10.58): I seek leave to move a motion in relation to freedom of speech.
Leave granted.
MR MOORE: I move:
(1) That the Assembly considers that, in speaking in the Assembly or in a committee, Members should take the following matters into account:
(a) the need to exercise their valuable right of freedom of speech in a responsible manner;
(b) the damage that may be done by allegations made in the Legislative Assembly to those who are the subject of such allegations and to the standing of the Legislative Assembly;
(c) the limited opportunities for persons other than Members of the Legislative Assembly to respond to allegations made in the Legislative Assembly;
(d) the need for Members, while fearlessly performing their duties, to have regard to the rights of others; and
(e) the desirability of ensuring that statements reflecting adversely on persons are soundly based.
(2) That the Speaker, whenever the Speaker considers that it is desirable to do so, may draw the attention of the Legislative Assembly to the spirit and the letter of this resolution.
(3) That this resolution continue in force for the term of the Second Assembly.
Madam Speaker, this motion is particularly important because it draws Assembly members' attention not only to their rights but also to their responsibilities in using parliamentary privilege. Madam Speaker, I believe that this motion ought to be included at the back of our standing orders. Perhaps, as part of the review of standing orders, we ought to consider whether we should include it within the standing orders. This motion, if carried, will give the Speaker the power to remind members of not only the spirit of these words but also the importance of the spirit.
The motion recognises the valuable right of freedom of speech and the need to exercise it in a responsible manner. It recognises the importance and the damage of allegations that are made in the Assembly, and the limited opportunities for persons other than members of the Legislative Assembly to respond to those allegations. Although we have just adopted a motion concerning a citizen's right of reply, that really has a limited application. Although it gives citizens a right of
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .