Page 375 - Week 02 - Tuesday, 19 February 1991
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they had to, as has been said, "Shut your mouth, otherwise you will not have a job". If that is the sort of way in which people are threatened, then I think the sooner we get rid of this Government the better. And that will be done in February 1992.
Debate (on motion by Mr Kaine) adjourned.
ELECTORAL SYSTEM
Discussion of Matter of Public Importance
MR SPEAKER: I have received a letter from Mr Moore proposing that a matter of public importance be submitted to the Assembly for discussion, namely:
The people of the ACT are entitled to a fair and equitable electoral system and the Federal Government should respond positively to the recommendations of two Parliamentary Committees and provide an ACT referendum to allow the people of the ACT to determine the question of the most suitable electoral system for the ACT.
MR MOORE (3.41): This clearly is a matter of great importance for the ACT, not only for the next election but also for future elections. Electoral matters are of such great concern that on the surface it often appears that only a few people are interested in the goings-on. That was certainly an indication by the Minister, Mr Simmons, in a radio interview this morning.
However, it seems to me that, in fact, there is great interest right across Canberra as to what the electoral system ought to be and that there is a divergence of opinion about that. What is a fair and equitable system, of course, is a most pertinent question. It seems to me that, whatever system we have, that system ought to ensure that the views of as many people as possible are represented in the representative form of government.
If we go back to the very earliest democracy that is recorded, we need to go back to Athens. At that stage in Athens they had an equitable system presenting all views because everybody could be present in the marketplace in order to express those views. When I say everybody - - -
Mr Wood: Just as long as you were not a slave.
Mr Duby: Yes, apart from the slaves.
Mr Connolly: Or a woman.
MR MOORE: There is a comment there. As far as Mr Duby's interjection goes, not only slaves were excluded but women also were excluded. Their recognition of all citizens was a very narrow one. Of course, nowadays we recognise the
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