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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2001 Week 8 Hansard (9 August) . . Page.. 2726 ..

MR HUMPHRIES: Mr Speaker, let us go to the question of dishonesty. Mr Quinlan first of all denied that he had made any such remark. He wanted to know what the remark was. He played dumb. "I have not said anything that I need to withdraw," was the context of his remarks at about half past three yesterday. "What remarks are you referring to? You tell me what remarks I have made."

Mr Quinlan, when Mrs Burke put forward the words that she thought you used, you denied you did so. Even though the Hansard has words which are extremely similar, you denied using them. Mr Speaker, he was asked to withdraw them. He refused to do so because he denied that he actually used the words. He did not come back to this place and say, "No, I didn't say, 'Condescending, bloody woman'," or "I didn't say, 'Bloody fool,' I said something else," and indicate what that was.

Mr Speaker, he then today claimed that he had withdrawn the description "bloody fool". He claimed he had withdrawn those words in this place, but clearly he had not. There is no record in the Hansard of his having withdrawn those words-none whatsoever. If Mr Quinlan was sincerely misrepresented, why did he make that false claim today?

Mr Speaker, the words were inappropriate. Mr Stanhope falsely indicated a position in this place. He made up a version of events which clearly is not borne out by the context of the Hansard and, as such, he should be censured as well. He should also be censured for his failure to exercise leadership in the parliamentary conduct and honesty of his colleagues in this place, and the attitude that they display towards women in this place.

Mr Quinlan and Mr Stanhope are very quick to rise to comment on what they see as misleading or dishonest statements by members of this place. They do so frequently. I think they ought to be held to account when they have been caught out in this way on the record falsely denying that words were used, and that is what this motion does.

Sitting suspended from 6.01 pm to 7.30 pm

MR SPEAKER: The question is that the motion be agreed to.

Mr Quinlan: Does anybody else wish to speak? I think I would prefer to speak late in the debate to defend what might be said. If we are going to have any outpourings, I would like to hear them.

MR SPEAKER: Excuse me. I would suggest that this is an important issue. At the moment there are 11 members of a 17-member Assembly in the chamber. The Assembly is debating a censure motion concerning two senior members of this chamber. I would suggest that the rest of you get down here as fast as possible. If you maintain and believe that you represent your constituents, then do so immediately.

Mr Stanhope: That's the sermon, is it?

MR SPEAKER: Mr Stanhope!

Mr Stanhope: I stand amazed.

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