Page 2549 - Week 12 - Wednesday, 15 November 1989
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member representation or to deny a party representation. You are using the standing orders as if they were cast in concrete, as if they were totally unambiguous in their application, and again you are attempting in your usual numbers game to deny a member of this Assembly - - -
Mr Humphries: Look who is talking - a member of the ALP. The ALP is talking about numbers; it is unbelievable!
MS FOLLETT: Mr Speaker, can't you keep this man quiet?
MR SPEAKER: Please be quiet, Mr Humphries.
MS FOLLETT: They are seeking to deny a member of this Assembly an opportunity to participate in a committee of which he has been a member, to which he has contributed, on which he has been well accepted, which he has every right and is qualified to be on. They are seeking to deny that member the right in order to put Dr Kinloch onto that committee.
Now, Mr Speaker, I believe that there is indeed merit in putting Dr Kinloch on that committee. I have not been closely acquainted with this committee's work, but it is not the kind of committee where there is, for instance, a matter which would be voted upon. The numbers on this committee may not be crucial. It is a committee where obviously members with an interest in cultural matters can contribute and can pursue their particular areas of interest. It is a committee with very broad-ranging terms of reference and I think, Mr Speaker, that, rather than attempt to deny an existing member of that committee a further opportunity to participate, the Rally might care to consider whether they wish to extend a person's right to participate rather than cut off someone else's.
Why do you have to operate in this gagging method; that if you cannot have your way no-one else can have their say?
Mr Collaery: We have never used the gag. Your Mr Moore has, without my approval.
MR SPEAKER: Order!
MS FOLLETT: Yes, you must keep him in order, Mr Speaker, or I will throw him out. I have a further amendment to this motion which I think does address the concerns that I have outlined. It is a simple remedy. My amendment is, in essence, simply to include Dr Kinloch upon the committee. What is so difficult about that? I do not know why no-one else thought of that, unless they were addicted to the gag.
So, Mr Speaker, I have prepared an amendment in those terms. I will therefore formally move it.
Mr Moore: On a point of order, Mr Speaker; I do not believe the Chief Minister can do that, because I have an amendment currently standing. However, in the interests of
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