Page 2314 - Week 06 - Thursday, 10 May 2012
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It is a difficult issue. I note that the submissions from the Plaintiff Lawyers Association were very extensive. I also note that all of the big insurers have told me that unless legislation like the legislation we propose is actually dealt with by this Assembly, there will be no competition in the compulsory third-party market here in the ACT.
Opposition members interjecting—
MR SPEAKER: Order, members!
MS GALLAGHER: This report does nothing to progress competition. It does nothing to put downward pressure on registration and compulsory third-party fees in the ACT. That is the issue the government was trying to deal with.
Mr Smyth interjecting—
MR SPEAKER: Mr Smyth!
MS GALLAGHER: Yes, it is difficult. Yes, there will be those who say that they are losing entitlements. But at the moment everyone who drives a car is paying for the associated costs of a very expensive scheme that needs amendments. That is what the government’s bill tried to do. For the party that sits over there and complains about cost of living pressure, this was your chance to come in and say: “Yes, we acknowledge that. We acknowledge that and we want to—
Mr Smyth interjecting—
MR SPEAKER: One moment, Ms Gallagher, thank you.
MS GALLAGHER: put downward pressure on registration.”
MR SPEAKER: Stop the clock, thank you. Members, you were all heard in silence, and I expect Ms Gallagher to be extended the same courtesy, thank you.
Mr Hanson: Mr Speaker, on your ruling, Ms Gallagher was directly addressing members of the committee rather than referring her comments through you. She was not conforming to the rules of this place. You chose not to pull her up on that. That provoked Mr Smyth to interject. If you are going to call Mr Smyth to order for interjecting, you should first, I would have thought, call the minister to order for addressing members of the chamber directly, rather than referring her comments directly through you in accordance with standing order 42.
MR SPEAKER: Mr Hanson, if I am to start enforcing the point you have just raised, we are going to spend a lot of time with me directing members of this Assembly. But thank you for your feedback.
Mr Hanson: My pleasure.
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