Page 650 - Week 03 - Wednesday, 20 May 1992
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Mr Kaine: Madam Speaker, I think you are sailing pretty close to the wind in terms of your determination as Speaker - and that is a comment.
Mr Berry: On a point of order, Madam Speaker: Clearly, the Leader of the Opposition imputed that there was some element of dishonesty in what Mr Connolly said. He said that Mr Connolly was caught with his fingers in the till, and I think he should gracefully withdraw the remark.
Mr Kaine: Madam Speaker, I will not withdraw it, and I seek leave to make a personal explanation under standing order 46.
Mr Connolly: It is an imputation that I am corrupt. Withdraw it, you grub!
MADAM SPEAKER: That is fine, Mr Kaine. Please proceed.
MR KAINE: We are getting very close to some sensitivities here. People on that side of the house seem to believe that they can make all sorts of assertions about misinformation campaigns, racism and the like, and the Speaker will not uphold any objection to that. The point that I was making is that Mr Connolly made an assertion that he is perfectly entitled to spend public money and anticipate a recommendation of this committee. The terms of reference - and you went to some length to point out what the terms of reference of the committee are - do not identify any particular building. If Mr Connolly is fair dinkum about his role - - -
MADAM SPEAKER: I am sorry, Mr Kaine; that is exactly what I was trying to point out to you. The terms of reference do.
MR KAINE: But that is only one of the options.
MADAM SPEAKER: No.
MR KAINE: You are also invited to look at other options.
MADAM SPEAKER: I am sorry; that is exactly what I was trying to caution you about. No, we are allowed to look at economy and efficiency, which may then incorporate - - -
MR KAINE: Madam Speaker, the committee is entitled to look at anything it so chooses.
MADAM SPEAKER: I am sorry.
MR KAINE: Are you saying that you are acting under some direction from the Chief Minister?
Mr Lamont: Madam Speaker, I rise once again with the same point of order I raised which led to this diatribe from the Leader of the Opposition.
MR KAINE: Madam Speaker, I was in the middle of a personal explanation under standing order 46. He is not entitled to interrupt me with a point of order.
Mr Lamont: I ask that he withdraw the imputation.
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