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

Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2003 Week 3 Hansard (11 March) . . Page.. 893 ..


passed. The amendments we are making to the discrimination legislation flow from the anticipated passage of the Legislation (Gay, Lesbian and Transgender) Amendment Bill.

I will take your guidance on this, Mr Speaker, but we are debating a bill now which is wholly dependent on the passage of legislation that we have just adjourned, and I fear the implications of our debating and passing legislation that would have no force or effect unless the Legislation (Gay, Lesbian and Transgender) Amendment Bill also passes. I am assuming it will, but I do not think we should proceed on the basis that it will.

Mr Stefaniak

: On the point of order, Mr Speaker, the Attorney has a valid point. Whilst I think we can assume correctly, we are anticipating a vote of the Assembly, which is clearly quite incorrect. The Attorney is quite right: we should deal with this bill-because a lot of it relates to the previous bill-after that bill is finalised.

I back the Attorney in what he says and suggest to you, Mr Speaker, that we adjourn the house until such time as the other issue has been sorted out. You will recall precedents for that. We did that when we got into a bit of a muddle with some previous legislation in 2001 and adjourned for about 10 minutes until it was sorted out.

Mr Wood

: Do you want to adjourn?

MR SPEAKER

: In my understanding-I think I heard you right, Mr Wood-it was the aim to conclude by 6 o'clock.

Mr Wood

: Yes there are commitments-committee meetings.

MR SPEAKER

: I also understand that advice is being sought, and I do not know when we will get that advice. It is open to the house. It would certainly be inappropriate to pass this bill in principle, but the first thing that has to happen, Mr Wood, is that someone moves a motion to adjourn the debate on this bill.

Debate (on motion by Ms Tucker) adjourned to the next sitting.

Adjournment

Motion (by Mr Wood) agreed to:

That the Assembly do now adjourn.

The Assembly adjourned at 4.55 pm.


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