Page 2079 - Week 07 - Tuesday, 28 May 1991
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Finally, I think that absolute classic we heard today, about your great financial knowledge in relation to, "What are the brackets for?", really does not give anyone much confidence in terms of what you people would do.
Let me get back to the Supply Bill. I am glad that it seems reasonably non-controversial, despite the remarks being made. It is, of course, the necessary vehicle for the continuation of government from 1 July 1991 until the budget is passed by the Assembly. Regardless of what anyone says here tonight, it is obviously a Bill that is going to be passed.
MR BERRY (8.43): Thank you, Mr Speaker, for the opportunity to speak this evening on the Supply Bill. Of course, as has already been said, Labor will not be opposing the Supply Bill, nor will we be threatening members of the bureaucracy or the Government opposite about their pension rights, or any of those sorts of things that they might accrue during the course of this term that they have in government.
What I want to talk about in the context of this Bill is the very serious actions which have been taken by this Government against our health and community services systems. It will not be news to Mr Humphries that there are problems in his hospital system, and I am happy to say that at least he has recognised that there are difficulties. The one thing that I do find impossible to accept is that he will not accept responsibility for them.
We started out with this Government with a $154m plan to - as they put it - restructure our hospital system. It soon became evident that that budget was blowing out at the rate of about $1m a month and, of course, it very soon grew to $166m.
Mr Kaine: On a point of order, Mr Speaker: As a matter of principle and a matter of debate, I do not mind the Opposition having a bash at us for things that are true; but to deliberately assert, as Mr Berry just did, that the budget is blowing out is simply unacceptable. I am simply talking about the common decencies and the courtesy of debate, Mr Speaker. I am not drawing on any particular point of order. All I am asking is that Mr Berry be called upon to be truthful in what he says.
MR SPEAKER: Order, Chief Minister! I believe that that is not a point of order, but I uphold your objection inasmuch as you made a general statement. I believe that it is more appropriate to seek leave to address the Assembly rather than make a point of order such as that. Please proceed, Mr Berry.
MR BERRY: Indeed, it is more appropriate to seek leave; but I think what the Chief Minister might like to do is speak to the motion later on, instead of rudely interrupting like he has done. That was no more than a
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