Page 1716 - Week 07 - Tuesday, 29 May 1990
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MR HUMPHRIES: Mr Speaker, another case that comes to my attention concerns Mr Paul Zammit, a Liberal member of the New South Wales Parliament, who was chairman of the parliamentary Staysafe Committee which deals with road safety in New South Wales. That member of the New South Wales Assembly was convicted of a speeding offence by a court and fined. He tendered his resignation, but the resignation was declined. Not only was there no call by members of the Labor Opposition in New South Wales for Mr Zammit to stand down but also there was support for him from Labor members of the New South Wales Parliament. I want to quote from a press statement by Mr Brian Langton, a Labor member of that committee. After Mr Zammit's conviction Mr Langton said:
Perhaps it might make him probably even better aware of some of the problems drivers face on the road. Not only in regard to speeding but in regard to sign posting and in regard to the placement of Police Radar and it may even enable him to do an even better job.
I do not think, Mr Speaker, that the very high standard of rectitude and propriety adopted by Labor members of this place really matches the standards being set by Labor members elsewhere in this country. Mr Pickering's offence was, I think, quite analogous, Mr Connolly, and there was no call whatever for his resignation in those circumstances.
I also dispute the assertion that some of the offences that have been referred to elsewhere were not serious offences on the part of Labor members. I think I heard one member opposite say that Senator Tate did not commit a criminal offence. I think members opposite ought to be aware that if Senator Tate had made his remarks - - -
Mr Connolly: Mr Speaker, I draw your attention to the matter that it is inappropriate in - - -
MR SPEAKER: Order! Do you have a point of order?
Mr Connolly: I draw your attention to the fact that it is inappropriate in any parliament under parliamentary privilege.
MR SPEAKER: What is your point of order, please?
Mr Connolly: He is alleging that - - -
MR SPEAKER: Order! Mr Connolly, do not speak over me. What is your point of order?
Mr Connolly: I am sorry. Mr Speaker, I am drawing your attention to the fact that this speaker is about to allege that a criminal offence was committed by a person who is under no charge by a court. He is using parliamentary privilege to commit an act of contempt. He said Senator Tate committed a criminal offence.
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