Page 11 - Week 01 - Friday, 27 March 1992
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I thank the many people who supported us. I am encouraged that we got an increased number of people supporting us in the election. Indeed, apart from the Labor Party and the Liberal Party, we received more primary votes than any other group standing for the Assembly. The major point that I can make is that I will continue to represent the will of the people, and also the constitutional law of Australia. We all stood today and made the point quite strongly that we will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, her heirs and successors according to law. That is a very relevant point to look at.
MS SZUTY, by leave: Madam Speaker, as members will be aware, I stood for election to this the Second ACT Legislative Assembly as the No. 2 candidate for the Michael Moore Independent Group. The primary reason behind the grouping together of the four Independent candidates - Michael Moore, me, Tina van Raay and Stephen Mugford - was to minimise the impact of the modified d'Hondt electoral system adopted by the major parties to eliminate Independents. In the first election for the ACT Legislative Assembly three years ago, Independent candidates who stood alone and attracted significant numbers of votes were not elected.
Thus far I have honoured my commitment to the people of Canberra to support Rosemary Follett's nomination for the position of Chief Minister, and I reiterate my pledge to support Rosemary in the event of a no-confidence motion being proposed against her. I also reaffirm my commitment to guaranteeing passage of the supply and appropriation Bills when they are introduced into the Assembly. Michael Moore and I have always said that once elected we would operate as true Independents, separate from each other, voting issue by issue as matters come before the ACT Legislative Assembly. I am taking the opportunity today to formally declare to you that I will be an Independent member of the Second ACT Legislative Assembly.
ELECTION OF DEPUTY PRESIDING OFFICER
THE PRESIDING OFFICER: Is it the wish of the Assembly to proceed with the election of a Deputy Presiding Officer?
MR DE DOMENICO: Madam Speaker, I propose that Mr Greg Cornwell's name be put forward for election as Deputy Presiding Officer and I move:
That Greg Cornwell be elected Deputy Presiding Officer.
MR CORNWELL: Madam Speaker, I accept nomination.
THE PRESIDING OFFICER: Is there any further proposal?
The time for proposals has expired. There being no further proposals, I declare Mr Cornwell, the member proposed, to have been elected as Deputy Presiding Officer.
MR CORNWELL, by leave: Firstly, Madam Speaker, I would like to congratulate you on your election as Speaker. I would like, secondly, to thank all members for the trust that they have placed in me. I hope that I can live up to that trust and be as fair to all of you as I would expect you to be to me.
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