Page 144 - Week 01 - Wednesday, 14 February 1990
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direct the Clerk or the Assembly staff to produce a business paper in this particular way? How was this initiative taken? Quite clearly, it would have been known last night that this was the intention, and if that was the desired intention then we would have expected it to be raised at the meeting at which our representative was present. Instead of that, we have had this peculiar structure of the daily program thrust upon us today, without consultation. I submit to you that it is the responsibility of that committee, pursuant to the standing order 16A in relation to the business paper. It is quite important, Mr Speaker, and I suggest that we never allow this debacle caused by the inadequacies of the Government to occur in the future.
Mr Humphries: On a point of order, Mr Speaker; several times today, and most recently in the course of the debate this afternoon, members opposite have used the terms "liar" or "lie" or "lying" in respect of members on this side of the chamber. On none of those occasions have you made a ruling - - -
Mr Whalan: Excuse me, but is this a point of order or a statement?
Mr Humphries: It is a point of order, yes, Mr Speaker.
Mr Whalan: Do we know to which standing order he is referring, Mr Speaker?
MR SPEAKER: Yes, we do. It is to do with behaviour not befitting the parliamentary standards.
Mr Humphries: It is quite obvious what I am referring to, Mr Speaker. That language is unparliamentary. It has been used repeatedly in this chamber this afternoon and, although attention has not been drawn to it before, I think it is about time that it was made very clear to members opposite in particular, who are fond of using it, that it is not acceptable parliamentary language.
Mr Whalan: On a point of order; I would like to take up the point that Mr what's-his-name - - -
Mr Humphries: Humphries.
Mr Whalan: Humphries has made.
Ms Follett: The Minister for cabbages, swedes and duchesse potatoes.
Mr Whalan: Duchesse potatoes - Mr potatoes. The fact is that when people tell lies it provokes their being branded as such, Mr Speaker.
MR SPEAKER: Mr Whalan, please withdraw that. You are pushing us to the limit. I ask you to withdraw that last statement because you are impugning the members of the Assembly. Please withdraw the statement about lying.
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