Page 2999 - Week 10 - Thursday, 16 August 1990
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After all, what is a fifth ministry? It is simply a position for which someone works. If Mr Jensen wants to take on an increased workload - I know he is committed - perhaps he would be able to do that. I think it probably would be worthwhile when he does make his speech; but, if there happens to be a new ministry that is not going to cost the Canberra people any more, he might here and now state that there would be no possibility that he would accept an update from his current Ford to a Ford Fairlane like every other member in this Assembly who has had the opportunity to do so except Rosemary Follett.
Mr Duby: I do not have a Fairlane.
MR STEVENSON: You do not have a Fairlane?
Mrs Grassby: But you cannot drive.
MR STEVENSON: A good point. I also acknowledge that Mr Duby has no Fairlane. May I say that comparisons with other parliaments in Australia are not particularly relevant, as I think most people understand that Australia is far and away the most heavily governed country. The number of politicians per head of population in this country is absolutely appalling. So that is not a particularly relevant point. One would have to look at the situation of the ACT.
References have been made to the No Self Government Party. There is one point that I would like to make regarding a principle - the principle of switching parties - and I take this opportunity. I believe that, if someone is hired by people under a particular party banner and if that person disagrees with what that party is doing, he or she would well be able to - - -
MR SPEAKER: Order! Relevance, Mr Stevenson.
Mr Connolly: It is very relevant, Mr Speaker. You should listen to this.
MR SPEAKER: All right, as long as it is.
MR STEVENSON: I just make the point of the principle that, if someone wishes to resign from a party because of a principle he held before and if he feels the party is not following that principle, I think that is perfectly acceptable. However, I do not think the situation should be that one should join another party with different principles from those on which one stood in the first place. Perhaps one could resign from the party, become some sort of an independent, and when the next election comes up then one could make one's new allegiances known.
MR SPEAKER: Order, Mr Stevenson! This really is not relevant.
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