Page 2539 - Week 12 - Wednesday, 15 November 1989
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Mr Collaery: On a point of order, Mr Speaker; I believe that Mr Moore's motion reflects on a previous decision of the Assembly. It is a standing order that says that. In effect he dissents from the decision taken. He wishes to debate the issue, and that in itself implicitly is a reflection on the decision just taken, democratically, in this chamber.
MR SPEAKER: I will take advice on this matter. Please resume your seat, Mr Moore. As I previously stated, I believe we are wasting time, but I agree that Mr Moore has the right to make the move that he has. Would you repeat it, Mr Moore.
MR MOORE: I moved the suspension of so much of standing orders as would allow me to make a statement on the convention on the rights of the child. To speak to that motion, Mr Speaker, I point out - - -
MR SPEAKER: Just a moment, Mr Moore. I am going to seek that the motion be agreed to.
Mr Whalan: On a point of order, Mr Speaker; he has the right to speak. He has speaking rights on the motion.
Mr Collaery: He does not; where does he get them?
MR MOORE: Yes, I do, because it is a motion. It is not seeking leave.
Mr Kaine: Do not allow yourself to be bludgeoned by the Minister, Mr Speaker. Make your own decision.
MR SPEAKER: Just a moment.
MR MOORE: It is a motion. I have moved to suspend the standing orders.
Mr Whalan: Of course you can speak on a suspension motion; what do you think a suspension is all about?
MR SPEAKER: You can speak to the motion but not debate the issue.
MR MOORE: To the motion only, Mr Speaker. I understand that. Mr Speaker, it is clear to me that a number of people, a majority of people, in the Assembly wish to have more time to prepare this debate, and I think it is very good and very wise for them to take that attitude. What I have done here is that I have moved something quite different from the adjournment of the debate that has been carried. I am moving the suspension of so much of standing orders as would allow me to speak without interfering with that adjournment. The debate will still be adjourned; I will simply speak on the convention on the rights of the child. It is different.
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