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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2001 Week 1 Hansard (15 February) . . Page.. 287 ..
MR STEFANIAK (continuing):
affect it one way or the other if his amendment goes in. We will accept that because it does not cause my officers any concern one way or the other. So, congratulations, Mr Stanhope, your amendment will get up.
MS TUCKER (5.45): This has been an interesting debate. I am glad that Mr Stefaniak has agreed. I was really concerned that we might see this amendment go down just because of a stubborn response from Mr Stefaniak. He did not produce any argument to counter effectively what Mr Stanhope brought to the chamber in this debate.
I think it is really important that everybody participate in debate in this place and take it seriously because what we decide in this place, as Mr Stanhope pointed out, has grave implications for how the courts operate. I am really concerned that time and time again I do not hear Mr Osborne and Mr Rugendyke even speak to how they vote, and they vote with the government and the government doesn't get it right. They did not get it right then, and finally he has conceded.
Amendment agreed to.
Bill, as a whole, as amended, agreed to.
Bill, as amended, agreed to.
Planning and Urban Services-Standing Committee
Witnesses
MR HIRD (5.46): I seek leave to move a motion.
Leave granted.
MR HIRD: I move:
That this Assembly orders that witnesses appearing before the Standing Committee on Planning and Urban Services' inquiries into draft variations No 163 and 158 to the Territory Plan may be represented by counsel or advisers.
Ms Tucker: I would like to know what this is about before I am asked to vote. Can someone talk on it?
MR HIRD: Briefly, Mr Speaker, this was brought about by the fact that the Acting Clerk brought to my attention as the chairman of that standing committee that under standing order 246 a witness cannot be represented by counsel or advisers. As to who was or was not a witness was in dispute.
MR SPEAKER: Order! Read the whole thing, please, Mr Hird.
MR HIRD: Under the heading "Witnesses' right to advice", standing order 246 says:
Witnesses before a committee may not be represented by counsel or advisers unless ordered by the Assembly, but a witness may consult with counsel or advisers while giving evidence.
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