Page 670 - Week 03 - Tuesday, 20 March 2018
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office is certainly over. But I am not the only person in this place, or indeed in our community, who has said or done a silly thing in their lives. I could have said that chocolate addictions are more serious than gambling addictions, but I did not, Madam Speaker. I could have said that marriage is intrinsically about getting men to grow up and take responsibility for the women they get pregnant, but I did not.
Mrs Jones interjecting—
MADAM SPEAKER: Mrs Jones!
Mrs Jones interjecting—
MADAM SPEAKER: Mrs Jones, please!
MR BARR: I could have said that Milo Yiannopoulos is pretty cool and refreshing—
Mrs Jones interjecting—
MADAM SPEAKER: Mrs Jones!
MR BARR: but I did not. There are, of course, a variety of opinions on these matters. I do find it interesting, Madam Speaker, that those opposite are interjecting.
Members interjecting—
MADAM SPEAKER: Members of the opposition!
Mrs Jones interjecting—
MADAM SPEAKER: Mrs Jones, please. I do not want to warn you in this debate, but please be quiet. Mr Barr.
MR BARR: Thank you, Madam Speaker. We have all said things in our lives that we regret. You are never too old to learn. In this instance, I said something that was silly. It hurt some people and I acknowledge that it could and should have been framed in a more positive way. I acknowledge that and I apologise again. I cannot take back what was said; it has been said. I can apologise for saying it. I have reflected upon my reasons for holding that view. I recognise that in the role I hold it is not appropriate to make comments like that. Again, I apologise to the Assembly, to the journalists and to anyone who took offence at those comments.
I do, however, stand by my right to have an opinion and to express an opinion on the media. But, as I have said, I have said my piece in relation to the media and my career as a media commentator is now formally over. The other issues will undoubtedly be the subject of a censure motion that will be, I understand, moved by the Leader of the Opposition following this statement.
There are a variety of different views in relation to public policy as it pertains to intergenerational equity. They are perfectly legitimately held on both sides. We look
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