Page 2111 - Week 07 - Tuesday, 15 August 2006
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memories of the 36 faceless men and it begs the question: who is calling the tune in this town in relation to government policy?
One might foolishly assume that cabinet is setting the direction of policy in the ACT when factional bosses and people sitting in the corridors in the Labor Party and in the trade union movement are the ones who will decide how Mr Corbell, Ms Gallagher and their colleagues, especially from the left, will conduct themselves in this place. This is not consistent with the appropriate conduct for ministers. It serves as a profound basis for ensuring the Assembly brings these ministers back to check and reminds them of their duties and obligations as ministers of this government.
In conclusion, I am disappointed that the Chief Minister is not in the chamber. He dismissed the conduct of these ministers as undermining the ACT budget, citing that successive decisions taken by the Labor Party would have created economic catastrophe in this town. It is significant that the Chief Minister is not in the chamber to support his colleagues. I continue to be amazed at this government’s complete disregard of the accepted system of cabinet solidarity.
MR HARGREAVES (Brindabella—Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, Minister for Housing and Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (11.23): I congratulate Mr Mulcahy on his leadership speech. It is quite clear to us that the old relevance deprivation syndrome has set in and the refugee from the apple isle has decided to make his leadership speech.
Mr Stefaniak should chat to Mr Smyth if he wants to establish what it feels like. When he gets the hot breath of the Tasmanian tiger down the back of his neck he will know all about it. One thing that government members enjoy and that they have in abundance is an incredible commitment to one another. Talking about factions, we have seven on the other side of this chamber. There could even be nine as somebody might be skulking about in a back room.
Mrs Dunne: Point of order. Mr Hargreaves has been speaking for almost two minutes and he has not yet mentioned anything to do with the no-confidence motion. I ask you to ask him to address the motion that is being debated.
MR SPEAKER: Mr Hargreaves.
MR HARGREAVES: Opposition members are doing their best to besmirch the good names of my ministerial colleagues and I will not put up with it. In recent times I have enjoyed their support and solidarity.
Mrs Dunne: You have been besmirching all sorts of people around town.
MR SPEAKER: Order, Mrs Dunne!
MR HARGREAVES: Opposition members should take a Bex, have a cup of tea and go and have a good lie down.
MR SPEAKER: Order! The minister should direct his comments through the chair.
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