Page 1230 - Week 04 - Thursday, 21 March 2013
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I note that Mr Smyth has decided to make it extremely personal. In the absence of actually wanting to sit down and think about this issue, he decided to go straight to the gutter. That is the way they choose to play in this place. Rather than doing the bidding of the big drink companies, I would rather be in here talking about the serious environmental issues that are being addressed by these motions.
Mr Smyth: That is an imputation. You need to be careful.
MR RATTENBURY: It is quite interesting that Mr Smyth feels the need to hector right through my remarks, despite the fact that he was heard in absolute silence. That, again, goes to the personal integrity of how he wants to operate in this place. But I can quite comfortably say—
Mr Smyth: A point of order, Mr Assistant Speaker.
MR ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Mr Doszpot): Take a seat, Mr Rattenbury.
Mr Smyth: Reflections on personal integrity and saying that I am working at the behest of big companies is, of course, an imputation and under the standing orders I would request that the minister withdraw.
MR ASSISTANT SPEAKER: Minister, would you care to withdraw?
MR RATTENBURY: I would seek your clarification, Mr Assistant Speaker, because Mr Smyth made quite a few references to my apparent motivation in this debate. He was not pulled up for that and I have made an observation that is commensurate with that put forward by Mr Smyth in his remarks.
MR ASSISTANT SPEAKER: Minister, there is a certain amount of leeway given. I would have expected an objection from you should you have felt that required it.
MR RATTENBURY: That is fine then. I am happy to withdraw it and simply reflect on the glass jaw that Mr Smyth has. He is willing to dish it out but he is not willing to take it back.
MR ASSISTANT SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr Rattenbury. Could you—
Mr Smyth: No, withdraw it.
MR RATTENBURY: I did withdraw and I am going on with my remarks, if that is okay.
MR ASSISTANT SPEAKER: I would just like to say, Mr Smyth, could you please let Mr Rattenbury finish?
MR RATTENBURY: It is very interesting how the Liberal Party—and Mr Hanson is another classic at this—will walk into this chamber and absolutely dish it out, but as soon as somebody else tries to make a similar observation or stand up for themselves, immediately they are on their feet seeking a point of order.
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