Page 2554 - Week 09 - Wednesday, 8 August 1990
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I am happy for this debate to continue for another week, if not right up until February 1992.
MR MOORE, by leave: As a private member, I also have an interest in this area and I appreciate the generous offer of the Chief Minister to debate this matter as a matter of urgency and to be prepared to make the time to do so. I hope that he will continue making such kind offers in the future on other matters that we also consider urgent.
With reference to this matter, there are, of course, a number of problems, the first of which is that Mr Collaery has raised a point of order as to whether this matter is or is not legal in the first place. It is relevant to every single Bill a private member has ever raised that the matter should go to an appropriate and highly qualified legal authority to get an opinion on that. We cannot rely, for example, on an opinion from Mr Collaery's own legal office, as competent as it may be - - -
Mr Collaery: That is a shameful comment. They are eminent lawyers.
MR MOORE: They are eminent, but it is significant that Mr Collaery understands the separation of powers. He would understand that any opinion that comes from his own office is an opinion that has about it the fact that he is the Minister. Therefore, it is appropriate that we get an independent opinion on the matter because it has such significance to the parliament.
In the first place we should wait and ensure that that particular issue is clarified and dealt with. Secondly, the Chief Minister has a great advantage by ensuring that this matter is debated today because he is concerned that the community may get to members of the Alliance and actually show them that they do hold them in contempt - particularly Dr Kinloch and Ms Maher, whom they expect to understand what they are on about. The community expects that these people may see the light. It is appropriate for them to have the opportunity to express that opinion and that is what they are looking for. It is quite clear that there will be a rally this afternoon and some other actions are planned over the next week while this Bill sits on the table. That is what they are expecting and it is quite appropriate that they have that opportunity to present their point of view, to question the figures that the Government has put out. As well, there are figures that it has not put out and does not seem to be prepared to put out. So it is quite appropriate that this Bill remain on the table for that amount of time. Mr Acting Speaker, I move:
That the debate be now adjourned.
MR ACTING SPEAKER: I do not think you can do that, Mr Moore. I have to put the question before a member can move the adjournment of the debate, so I will rule you out of order on that.
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