Page 1130 - Week 04 - Thursday, 29 March 1990
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The matter has been through the processes, but here is the sensitive part. In general, the committees are bodies where members go and they are not necessarily held to consultation with their parties. We all know that. Indeed, on a couple of occasions, members - and I have been one of them - have sought the permission of that committee to go back and consult with the party. There is no requirement for members of that committee to go back to their respective parties and tell them what is happening. Indeed, in some circumstances it is improper for committee members to do that. The problem has arisen because it has caught people by surprise. But the matter has been through the proper processes. This is the last step in that process before Mr Moore takes off next week.
MR COLLAERY (Attorney-General) (4.41): Mr Speaker, with this type of standard motion, it is not the practice of the House of Representatives, I am informed, to give a reason. The motion simply seeks leave of absence for a period from one date to another, and either names a member or names all sitting members. Mr Moore's motion is designed to embarrass the Government in my view because clearly he knows that the Executive Government was shocked to find out about this matter at mid afternoon yesterday. I will say no more at this stage on grounds of relevance, but we are profoundly shocked and I am currently seeking advice from my law office about certain matters relating to the payment of allowances.
The Government will support granting leave of absence in the normal form to Mr Moore for that period. Accordingly, Mr Speaker, I will move an amendment to the motion. I move:
That all words after "Mr Moore" be omitted.
Mr Wood: I do not believe that I have acted improperly.
MR COLLAERY: I have not suggested that.
Mr Wood: Well, you are querying something.
MR SPEAKER: I am not sure what it is that we are deleting. Is there a copy of that amendment in writing anywhere? I do not think I have it.
MR COLLAERY: It is a motion without notice.
Mrs Grassby: They really are petty! I just don't believe this - I have never known such pettiness.
MR COLLAERY: Mr Speaker, I would ask you to call Mrs Grassby to order. She constantly keeps imputing motives to us; she keeps saying we are "so petty". As my amendment has now been circulated, I will continue my comments - - -
MR SPEAKER: Yes, please continue Mr Collaery.
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