Page 4479 - Week 14 - Thursday, 1 December 1994
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The fact of the matter is that the Minister, continually, either directly or indirectly, has given this Assembly the wrong impression about this whole situation. The Opposition made it very clear. We believe in cannabis being used for clinical trials. If there are any problems with the legislation, why did not the Minister, if he was acting rationally and sensibly and in the interests of the ACT, approach us and speak about his concerns? He did not. He has not spoken to any of us once.
Ms Follett: He did not get much time.
MRS CARNELL: That was because he went public immediately.
MS FOLLETT (Chief Minister and Treasurer) (4.59): Madam Speaker, I will speak very briefly upon this matter. I want to make it clear at the outset that I have total confidence in Mr Connolly as Minister for Health and as Attorney-General. In looking at the issue, I have taken particular note of the comments made by Mr Moore, the mover of the motion. Mr Moore, quite deliberately, has couched his case around one document, and that is a press release from the AIDS Action Council. Mr Moore believes that that press release is at odds with the Minister for Health's statement - - -
MR MOORE (5.00): I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. I know that it is particularly unusual, but perhaps the Chief Minister and members of the Assembly would give me leave to make a very short statement. I realise that I am rising in the middle of the Chief Minister's statement, but I wish to modify the motion.
MADAM SPEAKER: That is extremely unusual.
MR MOORE: It is extremely unusual, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, when I stood and spoke I said that if I was wrong I would apologise to Mr Connolly. Madam Speaker, the document that Mr Connolly - - -
MADAM SPEAKER: I assume that leave is granted. Continue, Mr Moore.
MR MOORE: The document that Mr Connolly tabled does, I believe, put a different light on the issue. Madam Speaker, I believe what I have heard from Mr Connolly and I believe what I said when I was speaking to this motion. It is, indeed, a serious matter. Madam Speaker, I also understand the heat. I mentioned that when I was speaking. I understand the heat for both Mr Connolly and me on the issue. Taking that into account, Madam Speaker, I believe it appropriate that I modify the motion. I still think there is a serious matter before us. I intend to move an amendment to modify the motion to a motion of censure. I accept that there is heat in this, Madam Speaker. I accept that you can put a different light on it. Inasmuch as there is a different light, I think that maybe it should be dealt with as a censure motion rather than as a motion of no confidence. For that reason, Madam Speaker, I seek leave from members to modify the motion to read "That this Assembly censures the Minister for Health".
Mr Berry: No.
Mr Lamont: I understand that you did apologise.
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