Page 6263 - Week 19 - Tuesday, 17 December 1991
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Mrs Grassby: That is what he said.
MR DUBY: I agree with that. There is nothing wrong with doing that. We are all big boys and girls here and we understand the politics of doing things that cannot be followed through. However, I had no idea that this was to be brought on and I, for one, again, unfortunately, do not have a detailed argument supporting the case that I believe to be correct. The Chief Minister undoubtedly did have some comments and I guess it is appropriate. Frankly, I am pleased that the record will show that she was able to put those appropriate comments about this proposed legislation into the Hansard.
This is a matter which should not be addressed on the last sitting day. On 15 February we are going to an election. If this is a matter of such importance, it should be debated openly in the election campaign. It is something that people can take positions on in the election. No matter what the outcome of the election is, there will be members in this Assembly - Mr Kaine, of course, clearly is going to be returned - who can, whether in government or in opposition, introduce a private members' Bill, if required, or do it as government business, to amend this legislation to whatever he feels, or the Liberal Party feels, should be the appropriate way for it to run. It will be done in a proper fashion then.
Frankly, I have grave concerns over the wording of the legislation. As the Chief Minister has said, and others have said, this really is a little bit over the top. If this does go ahead, apart from the rights or wrongs of the loss of revenue, which we have been told is $1m - that is another point that I would like - - -
Mr Connolly: At least.
MR DUBY: At least. That is another point that I would like to raise. I cannot see the difference between private members' business imposing additional costs on an administration or upon a government not being allowed if, by the same token, you are allowed to introduce legislation which will reduce the revenue of the Government by substantial amounts of money. We debated, for example, not having the increased motorcycle registration fees. The amount of money there was enough to make me worry. It was $50,000, I believe. This is $1m. The effect of this legislation, if it is passed - - -
Mr Kaine: We do not know that. We do not know how much it is.
MR DUBY: Mr Kaine, I beg to differ. I do know that, because I made inquiries in the Department of Finance at the time. This is a substantial amount of money. If this is introduced, the Chief Minister will be duty bound, to my way of understanding, to gazette this and bring it into law. It would have the implications of at least a half a million dollars in this financial year.
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