Page 2240 - Week 07 - Thursday, 6 June 1991
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SUPPLY BILL 1991-92
Debate resumed from 28 May 1991, on motion by Mr Duby:
That this Bill be agreed to in principle.
MS FOLLETT (Chief Minister): Mr Speaker, I seek leave to make a very short statement concerning the Supply Bill.
Leave granted.
MS FOLLETT: I thank the Assembly. Mr Speaker, when Mr Duby introduced this Bill and we, the Labor members, examined it, we did have some reservations about it and some of the amounts included in it. I am sure members are aware that it is in the nature of a housekeeping Bill. The usual basis for framing a Supply Bill is to include five-twelfths of last year's budgeted amount to provide for five months of government services.
It seemed to us, on examination of the Bill, that the strict reading of five-twelfths of last year's budgeted amount was not always the figure reflected in it. We had intended to question Mr Duby in the detail stage of debate on the basis for the figures in his Bill. There might, of course, be reasons such as seasonal expenditure, or other matters, which explain the figures.
In the circumstances, Mr Speaker, I have decided to proceed with the Supply Bill as drafted by Mr Duby rather than cause confusion and perhaps a lot of extra work, which would be required to withdraw it and introduce a new Bill. Mr Speaker, I indicated at the time that Mr Duby introduced the Bill that we would pass supply. That was an unequivocal undertaking. It is a most important matter, to enable the continued operation of Territory services and so on. I hope that if there is any deficiency in supply the Assembly may be able to deal with the matter later in the year.
I thank members for their courtesy in allowing me to speak a second time on the Bill. I trust that the Supply Bill will receive unanimous support.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
Bill agreed to in principle.
Leave granted to dispense with the detail stage.
Bill agreed to.
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