Page 3123 - Week 11 - Wednesday, 12 September 1990
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relations in Asia; Brian Burdekin; Tony Vinson's report on welfare in the territory; the Jackson committee on overseas students; and the like.
It is simply hollow and senseless for the Opposition to undermine the eminent person who no doubt will be appointed. I am aware, of course, that Minister Humphries has a difficult task, as it is, in securing such - - -
MR DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! Members, there is a bit too much chatter going on.
MR COLLAERY: It is a difficult task to secure a leading and eminent Australian as would befit this vital inquiry. Certainly, the Rally has been consulted, is aware of and welcomes with great pleasure the announcement by Mr Humphries. In response to some criticism and challenges to the Rally, may I remind the members opposite that the Rally consistently supported the request by the community groups, including the parents of Lyons, Weetangera and the rest, that there be a fully independent inquiry.
That decision of this Government completely overshadows the suggestion that we send this important issue down to the Social Policy Committee. We have heard Mr Wood already state his preconceived views on some of the issues. We are well aware that this issue is unlikely to result in a definitive answer to any important questions posed both by the Government and by the community.
This is a great day for this debate; it is a great day for the school community's constant requests, and I am delighted to see that Mr Humphries has completely taken the wind out of the Opposition's sails. He has taken a very - - -
MR DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! Members, you are getting a bit loud. Continue, Mr Collaery.
MR COLLAERY: Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. The fact is that this courageous Minister has had the guts to face all those groups, some of them pushed on and being antagonised by members of the Opposition, who have never contributed one sensible proposal during this debate. They have never come forward with their own figures; they have never come forward with their own explanation as to why ALP election policy predicated school closures.
Mr Berry: That is a lie!
MR COLLAERY: It is in their policy document. They do not like hearing it because the Lyons parents and the Weetangera parents are listening to me, but it is in their policy, and I will read it out.
Mr Humphries: I raise a point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. Those opposite have used the term "liar". I ask them to withdraw it. Mr Berry in particular has been using it.
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