Page 1379 - Week 07 - Thursday, 24 August 1989
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MR WHALAN: It is absolutely scandalous that in these circumstances we should now have the sophistry coming from the Liberal Party, the sophistry whereby they should now seek the extension for a further 30 minutes so that they can debate, as my colleague Mr Berry described it, the snouts in the trough motion which has been - - -
Mr Kaine: I take a point of order, Mr Speaker. This is not debating the motion that is before the house. I think the Minister should be asked to direct his attention to the motion. While I am on my feet, Mr Speaker, in connection with that point of order I should point out that, if "snouts in the trough" means what I think it means, the Labor Government needs to look at its particular position on this issue.
MR SPEAKER: Order! That is debating the issue, Mr Kaine. Please proceed to the point, Deputy Chief Minister.
MR WHALAN: And so, Mr Speaker, my speaking time has been deliberately run down by the points of order, further denying me the democratic right to contribute to this debate. Clearly, the only way one gets that opportunity is by using mechanisms such as debating the suspension of standing orders. It is all right for you, Bernard. You had the opportunity. No-one tried to stop the nonsense that you were talking, and the same with you, Norman. You got your opportunity and no-one tried to stop the nonsense you were talking. But you would prevent other people from exercising their democratic right. It is shameful; it is appalling that this Assembly should allow itself to be treated in this way and such appalling behaviour can be tolerated.
It is totally inappropriate, Mr Speaker. I think that you most properly ruled what should be the appropriate course of action, by ruling that this matter should be adjourned if it is consistent with the extension which was already given for 30 minutes. It is consistent with gagging of people's contribution and it will provide for public consideration. That is what they are terrified about. They are terrified of the public scrutiny which there will be of this particular motion if it is not rushed through this chamber this afternoon. So I appeal to the fair dinkum members of this chamber to oppose the suspension of standing orders.
Mr Humphries: Who are they, Paul?
MR WHALAN: We will see when the vote is taken.
MR MOORE (4.49): Mr Speaker, I think that when Hansard is read it will be very clear exactly who it is that has been attempting to play games - and I speak specifically about Mr Whalan - and who he has forced into using these same sorts of tactics that he is trying, to play with restricting time and not allowing people to have their say. I think that is what will happen now.
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