Page 2800 - Week 13 - Tuesday, 21 November 1989
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TAXATION (ADMINISTRATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1989
Consideration resumed from 2 November 1989, on motion by Ms Follett:
That this Bill be agreed to in principle.
Question resolved in the negative.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion (by Mr Whalan) proposed:
That the Assembly do now adjourn.
Civil Liberties
MR WHALAN (Minister for Industry, Employment and Education) (10.56): Mr Speaker, I wish to say a few words about hypocrisy. Earlier tonight, at 8 o'clock, the Assembly gave leave to a particular member to speak about civil liberties. That member spoke at some length and, in the process, launched a vicious attack on the Commonwealth Government, I might add. But he presented himself as the great champion of civil liberties in this city, indeed in this nation - the champion of the underdog, the champion of the oppressed, the champion of those less privileged.
Then in a later debate, in the last debate, I can quote him as having said, "In relation to civil liberties the Rally supports basic freedoms". I just want to draw to the attention of the Assembly that from my personal experience this week Mr Collaery, in association with his lawyer friend Mr Stefaniak, has been responsible for introducing into this Territory the most repressive legislation that runs the risk of creating in real terms a police state in the ACT.
This man, this hypocrite, will stand up here tonight defending the rights, or claiming to defend the rights, of others, yet is party to the introduction of the most repressive legislation possible in the ACT.
Mr Kaine: I take a point of order, Mr Speaker. I really must ask how much latitude is going to be given to a member of this Assembly to describe another member or other members of this Assembly in these terms. I believe that this is quite over the top, and I would submit, Mr Speaker, that the Minister should be asked to terminate his remarks or at least tone them down.
MR SPEAKER: I agree with that position. Please proceed, Minister.
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