Page 3404 - Week 11 - Wednesday, 23 September 2015

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Mr Hanson: On a point of order, on relevance, the subject of the question relates to Mr Smyth’s motion in the Assembly on 12 August which was about the behaviour and the conduct of the CFMEU directly. That has formed part of the supplementaries and also the response from the Chief Minister. I think it is quite evident that the conduct of the CFMEU and its behaviour towards industry and business are significant portions of the concerns raised by Mr Smyth’s original motion and, therefore, the subject of this question.

Mr Corbell: On the point of order, if I may, Madam Speaker.

MADAM SPEAKER: This will be the last and then I will make a ruling.

Mr Corbell: Clearly the subject of the question is the Australia-China free trade agreement and the position of that union. It was not a question about the construction industry, nor was it a question about bullying or otherwise in the construction industry. It is clearly not relevant and is out of order.

MADAM SPEAKER: I think that it is lineball whether it is in order and I think that I will exercise my capacity under standing order 1117(f) to ask Mr Wall if he can rephrase the question so that it will conform to the standing orders.

MR WALL: Thank you, Madam Speaker. Chief Minister, will you take a stand and oppose bullying or intimidation in the ACT construction industry, given the CFMEU’s erosion of confidence with their anti-China campaign.

Mr Corbell: On a point of order, how is that any more relevant, Madam Speaker? It is exactly the same question with a slight contextual statement at the end. If it was out of order before it is out of order now.

Members interjecting—

MADAM SPEAKER: Order! You can have your argument about bullying somewhere else at another time. I am making the ruling. I think that the question was out of order. It was a nice try, Mr Wall, but I really do think that the fourth question was a little bridge too far. You can dissent if you like.

Members interjecting—

MADAM SPEAKER: Order, or I will name both of you.

Members interjecting—

MADAM SPEAKER: I warn both of you, Mr Hanson, Mr Barr.

Mr Hanson: Madam Speaker, I was sitting here silently.

MADAM SPEAKER: No. You provoked Mr Barr. Mr Barr made inappropriate suggestions and you did not disabuse him. I have warned both of you.


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