Page 2984 - Week 10 - Thursday, 15 September 1994
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the conclusion that the Public Accounts Committee is exactly where this ought to be done. Even Mr Lamont, if he would open his mind and look at the thing objectively, would have to agree that he should support, as I will, Mr Humphries's amendment to this motion.
Mr Humphries: On a point of order, Madam Speaker: During the speech from Mr Kaine, Mrs Grassby made an interjection which may or may not have been picked up by Hansard but which should certainly be dealt with, I think, by the Assembly. She alleged that Mrs Carnell had released prematurely the report of this year's Estimates Committee. She also alleged - I heard her say quite clearly - that Mrs Carnell released the report of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts on petrol prices in, presumably she means, the Canberra Times this week. Those are extremely untrue allegations and quite without foundation, and I would ask Mrs Grassby to withdraw both of those allegations.
Mr Berry: You cannot. It is not a point of order.
MADAM SPEAKER: No; it is a point of order. She has imputed improper motives. Mrs Grassby, I will have to ask you to withdraw. You can make both of those allegations as the substance of a proper motion, if you so choose.
Mrs Grassby: Madam Speaker, I will withdraw them.
MR STEVENSON (11.37): Without going into the political aspects of what has been said or proposed, I think there is obviously compelling argument - - -
Mr Connolly: What would you know about an Estimates Committee process?
Mr Moore: What do you know about any committee?
Mr Lamont: Have you been on it, or are you going on this one?
MR STEVENSON: I thought that if I started off by saying "Without going into the political aspects", and - - -
Mr Moore: Do you want to serve on this committee?
MR STEVENSON: I will not go into the political aspects, notwithstanding comments that would try to suggest that I have no right to have a say on the matter.
Mr Moore: You have every right to have a say.
MR STEVENSON: Once again, without going into the political aspects - and I can, if I wish - it would seem eminently reasonable, and I have heard no fair debate to the contrary, to have such matters dealt with by the standing committee, not a select committee but the Public Accounts Committee, that is set up to do just that. If we look at the terms of reference of the Public Accounts Committee, they read:
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