Page 2936 - Week 13 - Thursday, 23 November 1989
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I wonder, for example, whether Mr Collaery would be concerned about why we do not sit next week. I think that would be an appropriate course of action - that, instead of adjourning for a week, in light of the circumstances, we sit next week, so that there is the opportunity to consider the enormous amount of government business which is on the business paper and which the citizens of the ACT have the right to see being discussed.
The Optometrists (Amendment) Bill, for example, Mr Speaker, is one in relation to which we see the people of the ACT suffering all manner of effects of problems resulting from the administration of the industry of optometry in the ACT. This legislation is an effort to rationalise some of those issues. We will be denied the opportunity to consider this matter. It is a classic case of the application of the gag.
Mr Collaery: Oh, come on.
MR WHALAN: Bernard Collaery, the great civil rights lawyer, Mr Speaker, is swearing and is using - - -
Mr Collaery: On a point of Order, Mr Speaker; I did not swear.
MR SPEAKER: I did not hear that either.
MR WHALAN: He profaned.
Mr Collaery: I did not profane, Mr Speaker.
MR WHALAN: He said, "Oh, God!".
MR SPEAKER: Order! I request you to withdraw that statement from the record, Mr Collaery. Would you withdraw that statement?
Mr Collaery: Whatever I said - and I do not recall it, quite honestly, Mr Speaker - I withdraw it. I am sorry it offended the sensibilities of our present Deputy Chief Minister.
MR SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr Collaery.
MR WHALAN: Do not worry, Bernard, you will have the opportunity, with Dennis Stevenson's support, right up - - -
MR SPEAKER: Order! Order!
Mr Collaery: On a point of order, Mr Speaker; I heard you rule just two days ago about the patronising use of Christian names in this Assembly.
MR SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr Collaery.
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