Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .

Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2003 Week 3 Hansard (13 March) . . Page.. 1056 ..


MR CORNWELL

(continuing):

because everyone recognised that the important matter it referred to was sub judice and that, when it was no longer so-I repeat-it could be debated and the Speaker would not come into the issue. Therefore no dissent was needed.

That was understood by all, save one, who is apparently used to getting her way everywhere. That is what I hear around town. It will not be so easy here because, no matter what one does-tantrums or tears, sweetness or light-it is up to the Assembly, to make these decisions, including whether or not something goes onto the notice paper.

I said earlier, Mr Speaker, that the Assembly should be more vigilant in this matter. We should not have allowed this new member, ignorant of the procedures of the house, to do this.

Mr Corbell

: On a point of order, Mr Speaker, if Mr Cornwell has accusations against a member, he should state who that member is. Throughout his speech, he has referred to "a member of this place", without referring to who that member is. I think it is quite improper and somewhat cowardly of him to do so. If he is unhappy with the conduct of a particular member, then he should refer to that member by name. Members should refer to other members by their names. He has not referred to the member by his or her name. I am not clear to which member he is referring. The standing order requires members to refer to them by their appropriate titles.

MR SPEAKER

: Mr Corbell, I have not sensed an imputation, and I have heard Mr Cornwell talk about a member. It may well be that, if a member wants to raise any serious matters about another member, it ought to be done with a substantive motion. Otherwise, if you have something to say about a member which a member may wish to respond to, it would be fairer, I think, if you let the member know who you are talking about, in order that they might respond to what you are saying.

At the same time, I ask you to be mindful of the requirement not to do that. I draw your attention to standing orders 54, 55 and 56 in relation to offensive words, personal reflections and what my actions might be. Please press on, with that in mind.

MR CORNWELL

(4.29): Mr Speaker, I thank you for your guidance. I am conscious that the Chief Minister wants me to wind up. I will do that now by saying that I think we all need to be vigilant about what goes on the notice paper, particularly in respect of matters relating to the Speaker and the Speakership.

Legislation (Gay, Lesbian and Transgender) Amendment Bill 2002

Detail stage

Debate resumed.

Clause 4.

MR STEFANIAK

(4.31): I wish to comment on some of the remarks that the Chief Minister made before lunch in relation to Mrs Burke's amendment, which seeks to add example 2A to the Chief Minister's amendment to clause 4. The Chief Minister made a couple of points and there was a bit of inconsistency in the advice of the government's


Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .