Page 1943 - Week 07 - Thursday, 31 May 1990
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Mr Berry: On a point of order, Mr Speaker; again, I raise the issue of the length of these responses. They are ministerial statements, not answers to question.
MR HUMPHRIES: It is no longer than any other question I have answered today or any other day.
Mr Berry: But all of your answers have been the same.
MR SPEAKER: Order! I might just point out that we do better than any other assembly or parliament in Australia in respect of the number of questions for the time given.
MR HUMPHRIES: I find it ironic that, as the Government strives to protect the teaching service from the impact of budget constraints, it is the Labor Party that is more concerned about the preservation of capital resources. I have to remind the Opposition that we can spend each dollar only once. If we are prevented from saving money through school consolidations, the money which goes to maintaining empty desks in schools will have to come out of other budget items. There are few saving options in education. Salaries make up 76 per cent of public education expenditure, of which 80 per cent goes to teachers. Clearly, teachers' salaries would have to be considered as a savings option.
MR SPEAKER: Ms Follett - the Chief Minister.
Mr Stevenson: On a point of order, Mr Speaker; I was clearly on my feet before anybody else.
MR SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr Stevenson. Again, I will point out to all members that I attempt to give everyone at least one question. If there is another question to be given, it will then go to the Leader of the Opposition. I will always give the call to the Chief Minister when he rises at the same time as any other member in the Assembly.
Mr Moore: On a point of order, Mr Speaker; I refer to standing order 44. You had already called Ms Follett and she was on her feet before the Chief Minister was. I wonder whether you would now give her the chance to ask her question?
MR SPEAKER: Thank you for your direction on this matter, Mr Moore. I call the Chief Minister.
MR KAINE: Thank you, Mr Speaker. I request that - - -
Mr Berry: On a point of order, Mr Speaker; Mr Moore has raised a relevant point of order. The fact of the matter is that it requires you to give Ms Follett the call.
MR SPEAKER: Order! That is not the situation at all. In this Assembly the Chief Minister will always be given preference on a call if he stands at the same time as somebody else. Thank you for your observation, Mr Berry.
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