Page 4674 - Week 16 - Tuesday, 27 November 1990
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MR CONNOLLY: Mr Speaker, I would like to make a personal explanation here. I have listened to a tirade from the Minister for Health.
MR SPEAKER: Mr Connolly, do you claim to have been misrepresented?
MR CONNOLLY: I do, indeed. During the debate I think I said that a campaign of terror was being waged against public servants. I made the assertion that a senior officer in the public service was threatening defamation action against another public servant. The person that the letter was addressed to, I understand, is employed by the ACT Government. Now, whether we wish it to be struck as a public servant or otherwise - - -
Mr Humphries: He is on a contract; there is a difference.
MR CONNOLLY: To the extent that a person on a public service contract may not be a public servant, I apologise; but I say that a senior departmental officer is indulging in terror tactics and threats against a person employed by the Government perhaps on a government contract. The thrust of my statement remains. I was asked to produce the document; I did so.
Mr Kaine: And you will have to withdraw your statement after the Speaker has examined it.
Mr Berry: No, only if you lean on him.
Mr Kaine: On a point of order, Mr Speaker: you will have to withdraw that.
Mr Berry: I withdraw that.
Mr Connolly: Look, you are heavying him again.
Mr Kaine: I am not heavying anybody. I am talking directly to you.
MR SPEAKER: Order!
Mr Connolly: Mr Speaker, the Chief Minister is saying that I will have to withdraw it when you have made your mind up. That is clearly prejudging what your decision may or may not be. It is most unseemly.
MR SPEAKER: Order! Whether he is right or not actually remains to be seen, Mr Connolly. Can we get on with this, please. The question now is - - -
Mr Berry: You are the Speaker.
MR SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr Berry, for reminding me. At times, I wonder.
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