Page 3131 - Week 15 - Thursday, 14 December 1989
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this Liberal coalition Government. There will be a reduction of the size, a stacking of the numbers and a most unclear position for the members on this side of the Assembly who wished to participate in the life of this Assembly.
I would ask you to contrast the attitude here, Mr Speaker. Just because the Government opposite has the numbers, that does not give them the right to deny members on this side of the chamber full and equal participation in the life of the Assembly. I think it is a tragedy that this motion has been moved today. It must reduce the confidence of all members of our Canberra community in this Assembly's ability to debate the issues and, of course, Mr Speaker, there is absolutely no doubt that it reduces everybody's confidence in this Government's ability to face its critics, to answer for its actions and to be accountable for its decisions. It is the motion of a weak, uncertain and insecure government, and it deserves condemnation by everybody.
MR BERRY (10.44): I must say, Mr Speaker, that from the outset I am horrified by the attitude of the Government members opposite and I am particularly concerned about statements that were made by Mr Humphries about the confidence that the people of Canberra may or may not have in the Government. This Assembly, of course, will come in for more criticism because of the heavy-handed approach which is being taken by the Liberal coalition Government.
There are some elements of that coalition that are not going to be here after the next election, anyway, and they may not be concerned about it. Of course, the Liberals would be feeling fairly confident about this because they would expect to pick up some of the seats vacated by the oncers on the other side, and I can see why. Those oncers would not want to be put under the microscope in relation to their ability to deal with matters of government and matters which are important to the community of the ACT.
One of the things that Mr Humphries got completely wrong again was that this Assembly did not elect the Government; this Assembly only elected the Chief Minister. What you want to do is just get it right, Mr Humphries.
Mr Jensen: What is the difference?
MR BERRY: Just have a look at the legislation and you will be able to work it out, Norman Jensen.
MR SPEAKER: Order! The time for this debate has expired.
Question put:
That the motion be agreed to.
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