Page 3037 - Week 07 - Thursday, 1 July 2010
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MR SPEAKER: Just a moment, Mrs Dunne. Mr Hargreaves, is there a problem?
Mr Hargreaves: Mr Speaker, with your indulgence and the indulgence of members, although I was not party to the discussions, I understand that there was a conversation between the manager of government business and manager of opposition business that perhaps speeches on bills to be introduced could actually be tabled instead of read to the Assembly. I would, if that is the case, so move.
Mrs Dunne: Actually, Mr Speaker, I can clarify this. I was about to stand and speak on this. The agreement was that we would move to have the speeches incorporated in Hansard.
Mr Hargreaves: Instead of being read?
Mrs Dunne: Instead of being read.
MR SPEAKER: Members, as I observed the other day, it is not the practice of this place to incorporate speeches in Hansard for a range of reasons, primarily the history of concern that there is no ability for the Assembly to intervene in the content of those speeches. I understand that it was the will of the Assembly to do it the other day. I simply make that view known to the chamber before we continue to make this a permanent practice.
Mr Hargreaves: Mr Speaker, on your ruling, with the greatest—
MR SPEAKER: I am not ruling, Mr Hargreaves.
Mr Hargreaves: With the greatest of respect, I note your comment. I can recall it being a fairly common practice in this place when the subject of debate, in general terms, was quite extensive or quite detailed. For example, in previous budget sessions we have actually had tabling speeches—presentation speeches—incorporated into Hansard without speaking. Further, on some other ones, for example, we had some conscience vote-type issues which went on quite extensively. We did it then as well. It seemed to be a negotiated thing. It was not common practice that ministers would stand up and incorporate their speeches, but in instances such as the budget debate, it was fairly common practice, in my experience.
MR SPEAKER: One moment, members.
Mr Hargreaves: Mr Speaker, it would appear, in fact, that the conversation between Mrs Dunne and manager of government business was not conveyed to the ministers. I apologise for that; so we will now proceed to read the speeches.
MR SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr Hargreaves.
Members interjecting—
MR SPEAKER: Order, members! Let us move on. We will continue with executive business.
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