Page 5218 - Week 16 - Thursday, 28 November 1991
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Mr Collaery: Did you have it in your office?
MR STEVENSON: Why not be quiet and let me answer the question? Firstly, interestingly enough, I am not sure. Let me explain that. You would not believe the places I get information from.
Mr Duby: Yes, we would.
MR STEVENSON: Okay, you might. I am prepared to look at anything. I harbour no fear from looking at things. I refuse to be intimidated by political thugs who would tell us that we cannot read what we choose to read, who would tell us that we should not attend meetings because certain organisations have been denigrated - - -
Mr Wood: So, you did go. It is an admission that you went.
Mr Berry: How much cash do you handle for the League of Rights?
Mr Wood: He has admitted that he went. We have got that much out.
MR STEVENSON: Mr Wood suggests - - -
Mr Berry: How much cash do you handle for the League of Rights?
MR STEVENSON: May I make a point? If you want me to have a say on something, why not be quiet and let me answer the questions in my own way, rather than interjecting and asking others so that it cannot be done? That is the reason - because you will not hear someone else's view. That is the true reason. What you would do is try to denigrate by association and then prevent someone from talking on the topic. Those tactics have been used down the ages, and it is a sad commentary that we see them used not only in this Assembly but many times in Australia. Once again, I will maintain my right to attend any meeting I choose to attend, at any time I choose. I will read what I want. I will listen to whatever audio cassettes I want, and videos.
Mr Duby: Oh, no, you won't.
MR STEVENSON: Mr Duby holds up Mr Collaery's amendments and says, "Oh, no, you won't". What we got from just about every person in the gallery and in the Assembly was laughter. Supposedly, it is good that people will not be able to read what they like, will not be able to say what they like. Who in here has the courage to speak up for the same principles? I know full well that some people hold dear to their hearts the right to freedom of speech, the right to freedom of writing, the right to freedom of discussion; but who would have the guts to stand up and not
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