Page 2141 - Week 08 - Wednesday, 6 June 1990
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Humphries had to hastily retract his offer to reconsider this decision if more than 10 per cent of Canberra citizens signed a petition. Last week we saw petitions from 41,000 Canberra residents presented to the Assembly, and that is far more than 10 per cent of the community. I notice, Mr Speaker, that Ms Maher thinks this is enormously entertaining.
Dr Kinloch: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker, on standing order 61. I want to make this very plain: I have been here over a year and I am fed up with the behaviour in this house. I do not want these constant interruptions. If someone gets up to speak, let him or her speak.
Mr Moore: On a point of order, Mr Speaker; can I draw your attention to House of Representatives Practice, page 175. In a maiden speech one does not get any interruptions or interjections. The clear implication from that is that at other times a certain amount of interjection is appropriate and Dr Kinloch is way off beam.
MR SPEAKER: Thank you for your observation, Mr Moore. I think you are taking an extreme circumstance again.
MS FOLLETT: Mr Speaker, the 41,000 people who signed those petitions all believe that Royal Canberra Hospital should remain open. Those 41,000 people vastly exceed the total number of people who voted for the Residents Rally and the Liberal Party at the last election.
Mr Kaine: And the Labor Party.
Dr Kinloch: Mr Speaker, I make it very clear that, under standing order 61, interruptions are not allowed. Those words are very clear: "A member may not interrupt another member whilst speaking".
MR SPEAKER: Thank you, Dr Kinloch.
Mr Duby: On a point of order, Mr Speaker; standing order 55 says that all imputations of improper motives to members shall be considered highly disorderly. Throughout this speech we have had nothing but improper motives addressed to this Government from that member. For people to point that out to the house is not in contravention of standing order 61 whatsoever.
MR SPEAKER: Thank you for your observation, Mr Duby.
Mr Moore: On a point of order, Mr Speaker; I would be delighted to propose - - -
MR SPEAKER: Just a moment, Mr Moore; one at a time, thank you. I agree with the totally uplifting attitude that is now presenting itself. I have been seeking such a level of debate in this house ad infinitum. The situation is that, if we become too restrictive, I am sure we will be bored silly at times. No, I withdraw that. The point is that a
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