Page 2960 - Week 13 - Thursday, 23 November 1989
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Want of Confidence Motion
MR HUMPHRIES (5.03): Mr Speaker, I indicated in the course of the earlier debate that I would give at least one reason, in the course of this adjournment debate, for the moving of this motion today by the opposition.
Mr Wood: You have had time to think about it, have you?
MR HUMPHRIES: No, there are many reasons, Mr Wood.
MR SPEAKER: Order! Mr Humphries, the adjournment debate is irrelevant. It is not relevant to previous decisions taken in this house.
MR HUMPHRIES: I have no intention of reflecting on previous decisions, Mr Speaker, but I will indicate clearly, for the benefit of members, at least one reason why members opposite can expect to be thrown out on their ears in 12 days from now.
Mr Wood said that he has not spoken to anybody who has expressed dissatisfaction with this Government. Where was he on the day that crowds of people congregated outside this Assembly protesting about the policies of this Government? What did he do on that day? Did he crawl out of this building in a tunnel or something? I have spoken to many people, Mr Wood, who have expressed grave dissatisfaction with the way in which this Government has been run and I think you have too.
He said, quite strangely, in yesterday's debate, that for the opposition to reduce the Government's budget was a vote of no confidence in the Government. He said today that the passage of the Government's budget was a vote of confidence in the budget. In fact, I heard the words "a massive vote of confidence".
Mr Wood: But you pulled those out.
MR HUMPHRIES: What is an opposition to do in order to express neither confidence nor lack of confidence - - -
Mr Wood: No; is it not the case that you pulled those out? You do not want to acknowledge that. You want to talk over it.
MR SPEAKER: Order! Resume your seat, Mr Humphries. Order! Mr Wood, rise from your backside if you wish to address the Chair. You will not speak - - -
Mr Duby: Mr Speaker, that is unparliamentary language.
MR SPEAKER: I apologise to those members I have so offended. Please do not get into a free-for-all across the floor. If you wish to speak, rise from your chair.
Mr Wood: I just wanted to make a point; that is all.
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