Page 2379 - Week 09 - Tuesday, 6 August 1991

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Tuesday, 6 August 1991

______________________

MR SPEAKER (Mr Prowse) took the chair at 2.30 pm and read the prayer.

LEADERSHIP OF THE OPPOSITION
Statement by Speaker

MR SPEAKER: For the information of members I present the legal opinion on the matter of the appointment of the Leader of the Opposition. The opinion, which was circulated to members on 4 July, was sought following the questioning of the validity of certain actions taken in the Assembly on 21 June.

I also inform the Assembly that on 23 July Mr Kaine advised the Acting Speaker that the Liberal Party had, on the previous day, elected him as its leader. He also advised the Acting Speaker that he consented to being Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly. Following the receipt of legal advice on the matter, the Acting Speaker directed that Mr Kaine be recognised as Leader of the Opposition from 22 July 1991. For the information of members I present the further legal opinion on this matter, which is dated 24 July 1991.

PRIVILEGE
Statement by Speaker

MR SPEAKER: On 29 May 1991 Mr Stevenson gave written notice of a possible contempt of the Assembly concerning letters received by him from a Mr Gerald Gold. Under the provisions of standing order 71, I must determine whether or not the matter merits precedence over other business. If, in my opinion, the matter does merit precedence, I must inform the Assembly of the decision, and the member who raised the matter may move a motion without notice forthwith to refer the matter to the Standing Committee on Administration and Procedures.

I have considered the matter carefully and have concluded, on the basis of the information before me, that the matter does not merit precedence. I have written to Mr Stevenson informing him of my decision. For the information of members, I present Mr Stevenson's letter to me on the matter and a copy of my response.

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