Page 1701 - Week 08 - Thursday, 28 September 1989

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One classic example of the failure to communicate effectively was reflected in an editorial in today's Canberra Times where it was said, contrary to many statements in the house yesterday, that the Residents Rally, for example, had no agenda for fluoride. That clearly inaccurate reportage stemmed, in my view, Mr Speaker, from the fact that we do not have the capacity to liaise effectively with the press.

Fortunately, Mr Speaker, spring has arrived and we no longer have to stand outside in the rain and the hail and the wind to give interviews. But I again draw to the attention of the house the unsuitable circumstances in which the press gallery survives and the fact that, truly, it may well dissuade journalists from staying here for the further debates of the Assembly. It is not a comfortable circumstance for them and, if publicity is the soul of justice, we need to attend to that matter as soon as possible.

MR SPEAKER: Thank you for that, Mr Collaery. I am sure you are aware that efforts are being made to do the right thing by the press, and I do not appreciate being reminded of that on the floor.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

Assembly adjourned at 6.18 pm until Tuesday, 17 October 1989, at 2.30 pm

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