Page 504 - Week 02 - Tuesday, 21 February 2012
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MR SPEAKER: My initial comment was a concern about where this question may go. I think Mr Hargreaves makes a fair point that the minister is able to, as he is often asked, talk about who has been consulted and who has been involved in consultation processes. On that basis the minister can proceed with answering the question.
MR BARR: Thank you, Mr Speaker, and I thank Mr Hargreaves for the question. Yes, I am aware of the deep and abiding interest of Ms Porter in relation to this matter. It is well known—
Opposition members interjecting—
MR SPEAKER: Order members! Mr Barr has the floor.
MR BARR: They are very sensitive about Ms Porter’s effectiveness as a local member—very sensitive. One can normally read into the level and volume of interjections from those opposite, which give you a pretty fair indication of their level of sensitivity on issues.
Mr Coe interjecting—
MR SPEAKER: Mr Coe, thank you.
MR BARR: We see again the catcalling. It is like an episode of The Muppets. That is what we are seeing—Statler and Waldorf on the backbench there, just yakking away, throwing in the interjections. That is what we have come to expect from the Canberra Liberals.
MR SPEAKER: Mr Barr, the question, thank you.
MR BARR: In terms of consultation—
Mr Smyth: A point of order, Mr Speaker.
MR SPEAKER: Yes. Stop the clocks, thank you.
Mr Smyth: Standing order 118(b) says he cannot debate it. You warned him in your initial comment not to go ahead. I asked you to rule on it. He has now gone there. Will you sit him down or will you make him stand by the standing orders?
MR SPEAKER: At this point there is no point of order. In light of the interjections, I think Mr Barr was waylaid. But let us focus on the question, thank you, Mr Barr.
MR BARR: Ms Porter has, amongst other MLAs, it appears, been engaged in the community discussions. I understand that Ms Porter has attended a number of the meetings. There was one when the Friends of Hawker requested that MLAs not be present, and I understand that Ms Porter respected that, along with other MLAs, I hope.
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