Page 2490 - Week 09 - Wednesday, 7 August 1991
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Mr Speaker, my Bill, which I really ask members to consider carefully before it comes back to the house next week, obliges the Chief Minister, any Chief Minister, to say that in making any arrangements or determining any conditions the Chief Minister approves the same arrangements and conditions in respect of each member because all members, all backbenchers, should be equal. Surely, if this is the fountain of democracy in the Territory, the place where equal treatment should start should be in this Assembly. The disgraceful treatment of the Rally since we have taken on the major parties will be now noted. I am pleased that, thanks to Mr Stevenson in a way, we have received a good audience. They can really know what goes on behind the walls of this Assembly.
Mr Speaker, I commend this Bill to the house. I thank the Parliamentary Counsel of the ACT for assisting me to draw this quickly in the public interest. I do hope that the major parties, who have the numbers in this game, will see how important it is to those of us who eschew the type of fraternity that blocks the public interest and will support this Bill.
Mr Moore: Mr Speaker, I think that Mr Collaery has presented an oversimplification.
MR SPEAKER: Just a moment, Mr Moore. My understanding is that, under the standing orders, debate on the Bill must be adjourned at this stage.
Debate (on motion by Mr Duby) adjourned.
MEMBERS' STAFFING ENTITLEMENTS
MR BERRY (Minister for Health and Minister for Sport), by leave: There has been a reflection on my integrity by Mr Collaery, as there often is in his speeches. It is in relation to discussions about what particular parties should have as a result of the change of government. Members will all recall the outrageous demand, the log of claims, contained in a document which I think was described as the blueprint for stable government and which was circulated by the Residents Rally. Part of the discussions - - -
Mr Collaery: I take a point of order, Mr Speaker. This does not appear to be a personal explanation. It is private members' time and this will be a lengthy speech.
MR SPEAKER: Thank you for your observation, Mr Collaery. Unfortunately, it is a statement. No-one questioned the statement from the floor. Would you please proceed, Mr Berry.
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