Page 4209 - Week 14 - Wednesday, 23 October 1991
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MR DEPUTY SPEAKER: Yes, what is that, Mr Berry?
MR BERRY: Mr Kaine, just a moment ago in debate, indicated that I had been aware of what Mr Humphries was about to do this afternoon. Of course, Mr Kaine was wrong. Yesterday a staff member of Mr Humphries', I understand, contacted a staff member of mine and indicated that Mr Humphries would be seeking leave to make a statement in the house on ambulances. That turned out not to be the case. Mr Humphries subsequently - - -
Ms Maher: Why did you object this morning to something you did not know about?
MR DEPUTY SPEAKER: Let him finish, Ms Maher.
MR BERRY: Subsequently, today, Mr Humphries, without contacting me, moved again to suspend standing orders to discuss this matter. It is the issue of leave which concerns me. And, of course, he moved to interrupt government business. I think that is a matter of such weight as to require some consideration. If Mr Humphries was aware that I was concerned about his interference with government business, then I suspect that he should have made the effort to contact me and make suitable arrangements - - -
Mr Kaine: He did. I heard him speak to you about it earlier today.
MR BERRY: Mr Kaine, I do not think that you are expressing the facts as they have occurred.
Mr Kaine: I heard him discuss this with you earlier today. I cannot be more explicit.
MR BERRY: As I have explained to the Assembly, Mr Humphries has raised this issue and has refused to consult, at the contemplative stage or at any other stage, about the ways and means of bringing this matter before the Assembly. There is a lesson to be learnt - - -
Mr Kaine: On a point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker: The Assembly has agreed to suspend standing orders to allow Mr Humphries to make a statement. I think the matter ends there, and Mr Berry is out of order in debating it further.
MR DEPUTY SPEAKER: If he has been misrepresented, he is entitled to say how he has been misrepresented. But be succinct, Mr Berry.
Mr Kaine: He is not making a personal explanation; he is debating the issue.
MR BERRY: No. I have been granted leave to speak.
Mr Humphries: Under standing order 46.
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