Page 1087 - Week 04 - Wednesday, 20 March 1991
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MR HUMPHRIES: Yes, substantially stoked up by the Opposition. This is obviously done without any regard for the impact that that kind of criticism has on the morale of people operating in the health service. I stand by the view that, as a result of these development changes, the service will be able to provide a very substantially improved quality of service.
Political Advertising
MR STEVENSON: My question is directed to the Chief Minister. It concerns legislation proposed by the Federal Labor Party to ban any radio and television advertising which may be held to have political content. Firstly, does the Chief Minister believe that this proposal, which is not just for pre-election periods but at any time, is a serious restriction on the freedom of speech? Secondly, in light of the current program by the ALP to gather survey data on the major concerns of individual households so that it can be used to attract their votes, is the Chief Minister concerned that this high-tech, computer controlled, direct mail campaign is one of the reasons why the ALP may wish to restrict electronic advertising?
MR KAINE: Mr Speaker, I thank Mr Stevenson for the question. I think that this is just one more nail in the coffin of the Federal Labor Party. They know that the skids are under them and they will do anything to prevent the parties that do not agree with their political viewpoint from getting their view across.
Members interjected.
MR KAINE: The Labor members opposite do not want to hear this, of course, because it must be very painful to their ears. They will make as much noise as they can to try to distract me so that I do not get to give the answer to the question I was asked.
Mr Berry: Mr Speaker, I raise a point of order. I think the Chief Minister is required to answer questions which are relevant to his portfolio, and I just do not think this is relevant.
MR SPEAKER: Order! It is also seeking an opinion. But the situation is that if the Chief Minister has decided to take it on board I will let it go. Please proceed.
MR KAINE: As I was saying, Mr Speaker, these Labor members opposite are going to squirm - - -
Mr Berry: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. We have questions that are relevant to the Territory and to Ministers' portfolios, and we would like the Chief Minister to stick to his portfolio area and give us a chance to - - -
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