Page 5112 - Week 16 - Wednesday, 27 November 1991
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association. There were some 7,000 police in it at the time. I asked whether it was compulsory. I was told, "No, it is not. There are seven people who are not members of the association". I looked at what the association's goals and objects were, and I supported them, and I joined the union. But, one of the reasons why I was prepared to join was that it was not compulsory. If it had been compulsory, I would have been most non-accepting of being forced to join a union.
Labor members in this Assembly purport - and I use the word advisedly - to be concerned about the rights of individuals. Yet, when it comes to an opportunity to include something in this social engineering Bill to actually give people genuine rights in Australia by removing undemocratic obligations from them, what do they do? They withdraw into their shells. So far, we have heard no-one speak on the matter; they just try to call people names.
I think it is a sad thing that the Labor Party resorts to name calling. Where are the statesmen of old that could argue on a particular point? Where are the people who had the interests of people in Australia at heart? I was talking to someone yesterday about the Labor Party. He said, "How can they possibly call it the Labor Party when there are so many people out of employment in Australia - when there are so many people that have no labour - while it has control?".
Mr Connolly: Mr Temporary Deputy Speaker, I rise on a point of order. It relates to relevance. We are debating Mr Stefaniak's amendment and Mr Stevenson is - - -
MR TEMPORARY DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Jensen): I think, with respect - - -
Mr Connolly: The Speaker has been drawing members' attention to relevance and I would have expected that, as the Temporary Deputy Speaker, you would do the same.
MR TEMPORARY DEPUTY SPEAKER: With respect, Mr Connolly, Mr Stevenson is talking about labour and employment, and that is related to unions, as far as I am concerned.
Mr Connolly: No, he is talking about the Labor Party. I would expect a ruling from you in line with the ruling of the Speaker earlier.
MR TEMPORARY DEPUTY SPEAKER: I have made a ruling, Mr Connolly, and Mr Stevenson is talking about labour and unions.
Mr Connolly: So, you are not prepared to direct members' attention to relevance, as the Speaker is, are you?
MR TEMPORARY DEPUTY SPEAKER: Mr Connolly, would you resume your seat, please.
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