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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1996 Week 1 Hansard (21 February) . . Page.. 99 ..

An incident having occurred in the gallery -

MR SPEAKER: Order!

MRS CARNELL: What we have said the whole way through is that we are looking for ways to solve this industrial situation. As a sign of good faith, we have this morning withdrawn our requirement for union members to opt into union deductions. I think that does show that the Government is willing to find and is really interested in finding a solution to this whole situation. There we are, Mr Speaker. I believe that it does show that there is really no benefit in going on with this debate this morning. Let us get on with other business. It really does show that we are interested in complying with the views of this Assembly and in coming up with a solution to this industrial mess.

MR SPEAKER: I would like to address some remarks to the gallery. You are most welcome to come in and listen to the debate that is taking place; but I ask you to listen in silence. It would be appreciated. This is your Assembly. We are your representatives. We cannot carry out our duties properly if we cannot be heard in this place. I do appeal to you. As you are probably aware, there are certain standing orders which can be used, but I am reluctant to use them because I do not wish to interrupt what I regard as an important debate in this place. I would ask you to listen and allow us to continue the debate. Mr Berry, do you want to move your amendment? It would open up the debate.

MR BERRY (11.36): I seek leave to move an amendment. It would then be available for people to consider.

MR SPEAKER: It would then open up the debate.

MR BERRY: It might make the debate a little more efficient.

MR SPEAKER: Yes, I agree.

Leave granted.

MR BERRY: I move:

Omit paragraphs (3) and (4), substitute the following new paragraphs:

"(3) notes that the Government has withdrawn this threat in a CC Mail message received on 21 February at 10.56 a.m.; and

(4) expresses the view that the Government's action on payroll deduction is unacceptable particularly during the course of an industrial dispute.".

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