Page 3019 - Week 10 - Thursday, 16 August 1990
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House individually, without which they could not discharge their functions, and which exceed those possessed by other bodies or individuals. Thus privilege, though part of the law of the land, is to a certain extent an exemption from the ordinary law.
The issue of privilege for members of the legislature, Mr Speaker, has to be guarded most strenuously. If it is not guarded, then the privilege itself falls into disrepute. No legislature can afford that, and this is particularly relevant to this legislature because of the disrepute that has been earned for it by some of the more irresponsible members of the Government opposite.
The reason that I moved this motion, that the matter be referred to the Administration and Procedures Committee forthwith, was that I think there needs to be a statement from the members of this Assembly that they, too, endorse the necessity to guard strenuously the issue of the privilege which members of this legislature enjoy. I look forward to support from Government members opposite in relation to this motion. I have had no indication of where the Government stands on this issue, but I look forward nevertheless to their support for this particular resolution, because, if we do not get general support for this sort of resolution, then in my view that is a strong indication from the members opposite that they do not regard the issue of privilege seriously enough. If that is the case, Mr Speaker, then I feel that some of them really need to gain a better understanding of the responsibilities which they bear as members of this Assembly.
I know there may be some members of the community who would say that the people who are attacking their services are irresponsible, and how could - - -
Mr Collaery: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker; relevance. He is not speaking to the issue of privilege whatsoever. He is delaying the house.
MR SPEAKER: Speak to the point please, Mr Berry.
MR BERRY: Mr Speaker, the issue of responsibility to which I referred is particularly relevant in relation to the protection of the privilege enjoyed by members of this Assembly. This is why I drew attention to the view of members of this Assembly and their actions which is held by members of the public. This is why we need to ensure that the public's view of the members of this Assembly and their responsibility is improved. This is why my party colleagues and I think that this matter needs to be referred quickly to the Administration and Procedures Committee. It is this committee which would have the ultimate responsibility in deciding where we should go in relation to the alleged breach of privilege by Mr Collaery.
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