Page 2926 - Week 10 - Thursday, 15 August 1991
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federally funded. I also consider it essential for a political commitment from Federal, State and Territory Governments be obtained before proceeding to Stage 2. The ACT cannot proceed along this course unless support from Federal, State and Territory Governments is obtained.
I have urged that the committee recommendations pursue this course. It is also essential that the ACT Minister responsible seek approval from the appropriate Ministerial Council before proceeding to Stage 2 before further action is taken.
There are just a couple of other matters that I believe I should address this afternoon. As I said, my view is that the study should have the support of those other governments if it is to proceed. I think that is essential. I believe that the money should be provided from Federal funds, not State funds. I consider that, given the financial constraints placed upon the ACT by the Federal Labor Government, the Federal Government should fund that feasibility study.
I, like Mr Moore, thought that simple solutions would readily be available. They still may be, but to make more information available for us to make the necessary decisions is an appropriate course of action. Again, as Mr Moore stated earlier, it is correct that we have a difference of opinion on this particular issue. With committee reports we tend to be still deliberating right down to the very day that the report is to be tabled. That was not quite the case on this occasion. But it is unfortunate that Mrs Grassby was not able to participate in at least a couple of those meetings, and that she is not able to be here in the chamber today to put forward her comments.
Debate (on motion by Mr Berry) adjourned.
PERSONAL REFLECTION ON MEMBERS
MR SPEAKER: Members, before we go on to the next item of business I would like to draw members' attention to the fact that on Tuesday I undertook to review the Hansard, following a request by Dr Kinloch that the statement by Mr Berry to the effect that, with the exception of one other member, Mr Collaery was the "biggest smear merchant in the place" be withdrawn. Mr Berry's suggestion was made after Mr Collaery had been directed to withdraw an imputation regarding the Chief Minister and her ministry. "Smear" is defined in the Macquarie Dictionary as "an act of defamation, or slur". I have now examined the record and have concluded that Mr Berry's words are a personal reflection on the members in that the qualification that Mr Collaery is the biggest smear merchant implies that Mr Collaery and all members have been rated as smear merchants.
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