Page 4632 - Week 15 - Wednesday, 15 December 1993
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MADAM SPEAKER: Mr Humphries, I ask you to withdraw that.
Mr Humphries: Madam Speaker, I think the facts speak for themselves.
MADAM SPEAKER: I ask you to withdraw "a blatant lie".
Mr Humphries: In deference to you, Madam Speaker, I withdraw "a blatant lie".
MADAM SPEAKER: Thank you. Continue, Chief Minister.
MS FOLLETT: Madam Speaker, as I have said, the legislation I will bring forward tomorrow is long and complex. It contains any number of issues that are not even touched upon in the referendum options paper. Members of this house are going to have to vote on each of those 300-odd clauses. I realise that members are interested in taking political points today, but at the end of the day the future of the legislation is in their hands, and I hope that when they come to consider it they will do so in a rather more rational and calm and orderly fashion.
Electoral System
MR MOORE: My question is also to the Chief Minister. Chief Minister, on 21 May 1992, in answer to Ms Szuty's question in this house on Robson rotation and the implementation of the Hare-Clark electoral system for the ACT, you responded with the following words:
I consider myself bound by the terms of the referendum, which I do not currently have with me; but I can assure Ms Szuty that the terms that are provided for a system of rotation will certainly be adhered to.
On 23 June 1992, in answer to Mrs Grassby's question, you responded:
As I said before the referendum and as I have repeatedly said afterwards, I will implement the decision of the people of Canberra.
In tabling this electoral Bill tomorrow, will the Bill reflect the fact that you intentionally have misled the Assembly on this issue?
MS FOLLETT: No, of course not, Madam Speaker. As I have said, the elements of the referendum are in the Bill. It contains the Hare-Clark system, including the three electorates we have already established in the first part of the legislation on this matter. It is proportional representation. It includes the Robson rotation, which I am sure - - -
Mr Humphries: Come on; get honest, Rosemary.
Mr Berry: Hey, come on! You are going to have to withdraw that one too.
Mr Humphries: Get honest?
Mr Berry: The implication was that the Chief Minister was dishonest, and Mr Humphries should be ordered to withdraw that. He said, "Get honest".
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