Page 143 - Week 01 - Wednesday, 14 February 1990
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private members' business. We would be delighted to do so this afternoon. We would be delighted to do so in the full knowledge that there is no government business whatsoever on the paper today. We would be delighted because we have business to proceed with - unlike our 9 to 5 Government which, in two and a half months, cannot come up with a single item of business. I find that astonishing.
My point basically is that this Government of these 10 people opposite seeks to control absolutely the business of this Assembly, to make decisions behind closed doors, to misrepresent the degree of consultation that it believes took place, and I put it to you that is a total figment of its imagination. I ask it to bear in mind an epithet for which, among others, Oscar Wilde is famous. I believe he was speaking of a coalition or something similar at the time. He said, "Quantity is not style". I would ask you to bear that in mind. Your bullying numbers game is impressing nobody. If you wish to consult us on the order of business, if you wish to offer us any further opportunities for private members' business, I would be delighted to hear from you. I look forward to it. But I am still waiting.
MR SPEAKER: I would like to follow up on your statement, Ms Follett. With respect to private members' business being listed on the notice paper, the Government obviously would need to seek leave of the Assembly to carry that through.
Ms Follett: But it's on there.
MR SPEAKER: It would still require leave of the Assembly. The Standing Committee on Administration and Procedures does not place before itself for deliberation such matters as those about which you were talking. We were looking at allocation of other business before the house. This matter was not discussed. It is rightfully the position of the Whips from the different parties to come to an agreed program.
Mr Whalan: On a point of order, Mr Speaker; at no stage was our party consulted - and I asked Mr Moore, and he was not consulted either about this daily program.
MR SPEAKER: Order! Mr Whalan, do you seek leave to make a statement?
MR WHALAN (3.35): I seek leave to make a statement, Mr Speaker, in relation to the business program.
Leave granted.
MR WHALAN: Mr Speaker, I am making a statement as a result of the comments that you have made. Apropos of that, I would like to say that we still would be very anxious to know how this paper was drawn up in a manner contrary to the standing orders. Did the Government Whip, for example,
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