Page 3712 - Week 13 - Wednesday, 17 October 1990
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .
The second point that I would like to make in regard to Mr Kaine's allegations that I have sought to make political capital is that the motion that is before us today was circulated last night to the Government members on the Standing Committee on Administration and Procedures. That was done in order to give them an opportunity to consider the motion and to discuss it with their colleagues. I would like it placed on the record again that I have heard not a word from any of them. There has been no indication at any time as to whether they were prepared to support this motion or wished to see it amended. I was not involved at any stage with any discussions with members opposite on this motion, a copy of which they had yesterday evening. Let us be clear about who is seeking to make political capital.
When we come to the actual substance, if I could characterise it this way - I think it is an overstatement of the Government's comments about the motion - I think the most outstanding feature has been the total lack of real opposition to any of the points in the motion, yet they seek to amend it. Mr Speaker, as Mr Connolly indicated earlier, I am prepared to accept the amendments to paragraph (1) and paragraph (3), but I am not prepared to accept the amendment to paragraph (2) to remove the word "non-racial", and for a very good reason. It is a term that is commonly used, including in the book that I have in my hand, The Findings of the Commonwealth Eminent Persons Group on Southern Africa. That book refers to the establishing of a "non-racial" and representative government. It is a term that is used throughout the book.
Mr Speaker, I think it is a term that is well understood amongst people who have a lot to do with the politics of South Africa. I accept Dr Kinloch's objection that it is not a usual term that we use in Australia, that the more usual term would be "non-racist"; but "non-racial" is the term that is often used with regard to the establishment of democratic government in South Africa, and that is why it is in the motion. So I will not accept that proposed amendment, and I do so for good reason.
Mr Speaker, Mr Duby has advocated the removal of paragraph (4). He has given absolutely no reason for that; neither have any other speakers from the Government, except that it seems a bit difficult.
Mr Duby: On a point of order: I have advocated the removal of paragraph (5). Paragraph (4) endorses the actions by the Speaker to mark the visit.
MS FOLLETT: Mr Speaker, I say again that the alternative proposition put forward by Mr Duby in effect removes paragraph (4) and replaces it with a further proposition. Is that better? Yet we have had no reason whatsoever for that proposal.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .