Page 4382 - Week 12 - Tuesday, 13 October 2009

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Mr Hanson: So you’re happy for your bill to go down?

MR BARR: Well, we are in a minority government situation, Mr Hanson. From time to time you are not going to get your legislation through; that is minority government. But it does not mean that we are prepared to support bad public policy, and that is the threshold issue. The Liberal Party’s position is bad public policy. In the context of the ACT, it is bad public policy. The amendments you have drafted are bad public policy. If we were to vote for your amendments, you would put in place two different requirements within the ACT. Independent schools and students in independent schools who were suspended would not be required by law to have your counselling requirements.

Mr Hanson: Will you support it if it included—

MR BARR: No, I do not support it.

Mr Hanson: Go on, then. Why don’t you propose an amendment to the amendment to include independent schools and we can all vote on it and go home?

MADAM ASSISTANT SPEAKER: Mr Hanson!

MR BARR: I have indicated that the government’s position is that we do not support the number of three, we do not supporting mandating only counselling, it is too inflexible and the Liberal Party amendments are not practical and should not be supported. On that basis, and on the basis of the detailed consultation that we have undertaken in preparing this legislation, we will not be supporting the Liberal Party amendments.

What the Liberal Party determine to do in the final vote is a matter for them, but I would remind them that any attempts by them to argue that the government has not responded in this area will be met by the blunt reality of their vote on this bill. This is your opportunity to demonstrate something beyond opposition for opposition’s sake. This is your opportunity to prove that you do have an interest in this issue.

Mr Hanson: You are opposing good policy here, Andrew.

MR BARR: It is not good policy, Mr Hanson. It is very poor policy.

Mr Hanson: It is opposition for opposition’s sake from Mr Barr.

MR BARR: And the government, Madam Assistant Speaker—

Mr Hanson: You are opposing your own legislation by not supporting the amendments.

MADAM ASSISTANT SPEAKER: Mr Hanson, if you want to contribute to the debate, you will have your opportunity. If not, can you stop interjecting from across the floor.


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