Page 2471 - Week 07 - Wednesday, 17 June 2009

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given to the planning minister of the day. If the opposition want that to be the decision of a committee, let them amend the act to that effect. If you want that power to vest in the planning minister, subject to the criteria and subject to the accountability mechanisms that you have not even given me the benefit—

Mr Seselja: Ridiculous arguments. You are better off when you are just reading cliches, Andrew.

MR BARR: Mr Speaker, they have not even given me the benefit of being able to make that statement before bringing on this pathetic, politically motivated censure motion. That is what it is all about. It is just about going after an individual. They do not like me very much, Mr Speaker. I know that. I am not in this place to make friends. I am not in this place to make friends with the Liberal Party. In fact, if my actions—my firm, decisive actions in this matter—upset the Liberal Party, I have done a good job.

I note that the Liberal Party are still to disagree with the call in. They are yet to say that they do not believe that the matter should have been called in.

Mr Seselja: I made a very clear statement, Andrew; I do not think you read it.

MR BARR: No, you have not.

Mr Seselja: I do not think you read it.

MR BARR: You have obfuscated; you have done everything you possibly can to avoid making a statement.

Mr Seselja: I gave you the benefit of the doubt and then they told me that you based it on a letter to the editor. I said, “My goodness. My goodness, a letter to the editor.” That is your rationale?

MR BARR: You have avoided making any statement on the substance of the issue. It is entirely appropriate that this matter was called in. It is entirely appropriate.

Mr Seselja: But you pointed out to us all the frivolous and politically motivated ones. You pointed us to them. You said there were none.

MR BARR: It is entirely appropriate that these development applications—

Ms Gallagher: You have done all your homework, have you? You have read all the objections?

MR SPEAKER: Order, members!

Mr Seselja: You said there were none.

Ms Gallagher: That should help you.

MR SPEAKER: Ms Gallagher, you are drowning out your own colleague.


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