Page 6251 - Week 19 - Tuesday, 17 December 1991
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intentionally identical amendments. It is the result of legislation on the run, of attempts to make quick decisions. It is unfortunate that this now has to be done, but it does have to be done.
The legislation in question is important. Members will recall that it was the legislation in relation to fingerprints in particular. The problem was that the legislation, as originally drafted, would have, in fact, provided less protection to children than that protection that is currently provided in the Children's Services Act. The Government brought that to Mr Collaery's attention. We proposed an amendment that would have saved the protection of the Children's Services Act. Unfortunately, we have both that amendment and another amendment. It is an unsatisfactory state of the law. We need to fix it up. But this episode shows the problems of decision making on the run.
MR COLLAERY (6.21), in reply: I thought the Attorney might have been more gracious, but we have not had the advantage of that today. This is not law making on the run. The Bill was before the house for some considerable time. The Attorney pointed out an inconsistency to me, and I had the amendment drawn hurriedly on 3 December. The date is on the copy circulated to members. In introducing the amendment sought by the Attorney's law officers, I neglected to have Nos 3 and 4 on the circulated sheet withdrawn. So, accordingly, Mr Speaker, I seek leave to withdraw Nos 3 and 4 on the circulated sheet signed by me. I merely move the amendments Nos 1, 2 - - -
MR SPEAKER: At the moment we are speaking to the motion to have this matter reconsidered.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
Detail Stage
MR COLLAERY (6.22): I will now formally resubmit amendments Nos 1 and 2. I will withdraw amendments Nos 3 and 4 on the circulated sheet. I will further move the circulated first amendment that deals with the Children's Services Act.
Clauses 1 and 2, by leave, taken together
MR SPEAKER: Mr Moore, do you want to speak to clause 3?
MR MOORE (6.23): I do not care what I speak to. This is entirely unsatisfactory. It is an entirely unsatisfactory circumstance. I do not have the Bill in front of me.
Mr Collaery: You have already agreed to the same amendments.
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