Page 2688 - Week 12 - Thursday, 16 November 1989
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to the development of that report was, of course, in line with the general focus of the articles. So, Mr Speaker, it is most appropriate that the rights of the child be established properly and it is most appropriate that it be a matter for the Federal Government to ensure that there is uniformity of law in Australia for the protection of the rights of the child.
One of the things that concerns me about the style of approach by Mr Stevenson is the similarity that seems to exist between this approach and approaches which I have seen in the political area which germinate from League of Rights sources. Now, there is something that I would like Mr Stevenson to do, and I think he needs to do this to ensure that his supporters know where he is coming from. I know that there are some people in the gallery who have a view about the line that Mr Stevenson has taken and I am sure that they would be very interested in some sort of an admission as to his association with the League of Rights. I think that is a very important feature of this debate and he should make it very clear to everybody in this Assembly whether he is associated in any way with that organisation.
MR JENSEN (5.17): Mr Speaker, I do not propose to take up much of the time of the house in this matter but I wish to put on record my own feelings in relation to this very important issue. When Mr Stevenson approached me with a view to discussing this matter, I listened very intently to what he had to say and I looked at the information that he provided for me to look at. I also looked very carefully at the motion that he has put here before us. Mr Speaker, I have some problems with some aspects of the motion, particularly in relation to the information that has been provided to us here today on the floor of the Assembly, in relation to the Government's and the States' responsibilities with regard to the rights of the child.
As a parent with young children, I am watching them grow up in a changing world. In some respects it is a very dangerous world for young people in relation to their involvement and participation, or possible participation, with things like drugs and other associated problems and hassles. I have watched my children at school get a different sort of education in relation to understanding and appreciating their own rights from the one I received as a youngster going to school, but it is information that I think is very important for our youngsters to receive these days, in a changing and very diverse society.
Let me make some comments on the actual convention and some of the various articles that are referred to in the convention on the rights of the child.
MR SPEAKER: Order! If members wish to caucus would they please go to the back room to do so.
MR JENSEN: I thank you, Mr Speaker, for your protection in that area. I know Mr Stevenson has expressed some
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