Page 1119 - Week 04 - Thursday, 29 March 1990
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because the Government has a pretty poor record in these last few sets of sittings because it has not been able to provide business for this house. Mr Stevenson's motion assists the Government to get off the hook again. I can see why it is supporting his motion.
MR STEVENSON (4.08): Mr Speaker, normally I would stand and claim to have been misrepresented, but I have got the opportunity to close the debate, so I will handle the matter here and now.
When I asked the Chief Minister yesterday about private members' business, it had nothing to do with any attempt to have my Bill proceed during Tuesday night. It was just that I feel private members' business is important and it should go on in any week, should we happen to miss out on a Wednesday morning. I would fight for that no matter who was bringing up what. Secondly, as far as the protest that will be held at 5.30 - - -
Mr Berry: You will not deny that.
MR STEVENSON: The point is I cannot deny it now. Mr Duby gave me the idea, and I was quite prepared to take it up. How can I deny it? Actually, it had not occurred to me before.
Mr Duby: Oh, come on.
MR STEVENSON: That is the truth of the matter. But I think it is a good idea and I could well take it on board. If so, I will thank Mr Duby for the suggestion.
Something else that Mrs Grassby mentioned was that she did not want private members' business during that week.
Mrs Grassby: I did not say that.
MR STEVENSON: You said that in your seat about five minutes ago.
Mrs Grassby: I did not.
MR STEVENSON: You said, "We don't want it", meaning the Labor Party.
Mrs Grassby: I did not say that. I said we wanted it over the dinner break. We do not want to waste the time of the house.
Members interjected.
MR DEPUTY SPEAKER: Let us not get pedantic. Continue, Mr Stevenson.
MR STEVENSON: I think it is important that private members' business is held, and I would expect that to be solidly supported by members of the Labor party. It was
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