Page 1887 - Week 06 - Thursday, 2 May 1991
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Mr Collaery: Mr Speaker, I wish to address that point taken by Mr Duby. I ask you, respectfully, to ask Mr Berry whether he used those words, and we will then let the transcript show - if he denies it. I ask that you ask him whether he used those words. That is the practice on the hill.
MR SPEAKER: Order! I have asked Mr Berry to explain the words used. He changed the words; that will show - - -
Mr Berry: I did not.
Mr Duby: That is not the case.
MR SPEAKER: I am sorry; he changed the words as presented by Mr Duby. The matter is closed.
I also note that on Tuesday, 30 April 1991, Mr Humphries referred to the Opposition relying on "untruths" in debate during the motion of censure of Mr Humphries. As there has been some discussion on the proper practice to be followed in these cases, I repeat my earlier remarks that unparliamentary statements referring to a group or party collectively are to be considered as being made about each individual of that collective. Therefore, to avoid the necessity of each member demanding withdrawal, I propose to not allow collective statements which would be unparliamentary if directed to an individual. I refer members to Speaker Snedden's ruling outlined at page 487 of House of Representatives Practice. He stated:
I think that if an accusation is made against members of the House which, if made against any one of them, would be unparliamentary or offensive, it is in the interests of the comity of this House that it should not be made against all as it could not be made against one. Otherwise, it may become necessary for every member of the group against whom the words are alleged to stand up and personally withdraw him or herself from the accusation ... I ask all honourable members to cease using unparliamentary expressions against a group or all members which would be unparliamentary if used against an individual.
That is the practice which I intend to follow. Therefore, although the word "untruths" may have been allowed in the past when referring to a party or group, I advise members that in future such language will be ruled out of order.
Mr Berry: One rule for one side and one rule for the other.
Mr Collaery: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. Mr Berry just said, "One rule for one side and one rule for another". Mr Speaker, I want to tell you that all day today we will draw to your attention this man's behaviour, because he is bringing our Assembly into disrepute. I ask that he withdraw that reflection on your chair.
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