Page 4760 - Week 15 - Wednesday, 7 December 1994
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But the truth of the matter still is that when we go through a consultation process it helps to develop our understanding, but the final decision rests here. Each one of us considers the weight of evidence that is presented by Mr Connolly in such situations, and in this case we consider the weight of evidence that is presented by the national AMA - not by the Queensland AMA, which Mr Connolly likes to put down, although they have basically the same attitude as he seems to have to cannabis.
Only a few days ago, Madam Speaker, Mr Connolly was saying, "The national AMA and Brendan Nelson are saying this and saying that. We must believe it. We must take it on board. It is the only thing to do because the national AMA are suggesting it". Mr Connolly went on and on as his nose got itchier and itchier. Madam Speaker, what we have in front of us - - -
Mr Connolly: Just vote for the Liberals, Michael.
MR MOORE: Madam Speaker, Mr Connolly says, "Just vote with the Liberals". He seems to think that is the answer. Of course, Madam Speaker, we have heard the Liberals say, "Mr Moore is just a Labor running dog". Whenever I vote with one side, the other side always says, "Just go ahead. Vote with them" and so on. Madam Speaker, I believe that if we looked back at the votes we would find it fairly evenly divided - probably about 60 per cent with Labor and about 40 per cent with Liberal. That would be my perception, although I have not counted. I think that would be about the right sort of order. Madam Speaker, issue by issue I will vote on things as I see them.
Madam Speaker, at this stage Mr Connolly has not presented a single convincing argument against the detail of what Mrs Carnell has put as an appropriate way to amend the regulations. I must say, Madam Speaker, that it is a delight to see that the ability to amend subordinate legislation is actually being used by this Assembly. I think that will mark a new beginning. As Ministers write regulations, they will recognise that those regulations are not only disallowable but also amendable. Indeed, the responsibility for all laws should be part of our responsibilities. That is a responsibility that I take very seriously.
MRS CARNELL (Leader of the Opposition) (6.43), in reply: I think it is important to clarify a couple of issues. After the Minister gave me the information from the management committee last week, or whenever it was, we got in touch with them - which is exactly what you would expect us to do - to ask them what their reasons were for their "vehement opposition" to the proposed clause relating to the responsibility of a health practitioner to tell the woman, the patient, that she could opt out of the register. We found this a fairly unusual sort of an approach for them. Their concern, as I am sure they passed it on to you, was not that they thought the woman should not be told. They think - - -
Mr Connolly: What they passed on to me was what I passed on to you.
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