Page 1171 - Week 05 - Wednesday, 24 June 1992
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Mr Lamont: That flag is not the Irish flag; it is not the Scottish flag; it is not the Welsh flag. If you have a look at who was transported to this country, Mr Leader of the Opposition, there were not too many from England.
MR KAINE: Madam Speaker, do I have to enter into a debate with Mr Lamont on this issue?
MADAM SPEAKER: I am about to point out to Mr Lamont that you have the floor, Mr Kaine.
MR KAINE: Thank you, Madam Speaker. As somebody else said yesterday, will you protect me from this assault?
We are talking about symbolism. I accept that some people today no longer see that flag as being a symbol that they want to accept. That is fine; that is an opinion they are entitled to. I happen to think it is a good one, and I will not voluntarily surrender that just because somebody else thinks they have a better idea. They are going to have to convince me that it is a better idea, but that is exactly the point I am making. It is a symbol that a lot of us still find acceptable; others do not.
We in Canberra ought to have our own symbols, just as people elsewhere in Australia do. I ask members of the Assembly to support this motion, just as they supported the previous one. The principle is exactly the same, and I ask for your support for it.
MADAM SPEAKER: Mr Kaine, we have referred to standing order 42 a couple of times in the last days' proceedings. It states:
Every member desiring to speak shall rise and address the Speaker.
The intent of that is to point out to members that they should not inadvertently show disrespect to the Chair by showing their backs. I realise that the set-up of this chamber is not conducive to that.
Mr Kaine: Perhaps you will allow me to stand down there and speak, then I will not offend.
MADAM SPEAKER: Mr Kaine, without argument, I understand your problems; but in part that was why Mr Lamont could address you so easily. I meant no disrespect to you, Mr Kaine, because I am sure it was inadvertent. However, I remind members that the intent of standing order 42 is to show respect to the Chair, whilst addressing the Chair, not necessarily looking at me for every minute of that address.
MS FOLLETT (Chief Minister and Treasurer) (12.00): I have no hesitation in indicating support for the motion Mr Kaine has moved. I regard his raising of this matter as really giving the Government a nudge along on another matter which is in the Government's court at this moment. The fact that Mr Kaine put the matter on the notice paper is less compelling than the fact that the Liberals all have another flag on their desks. I take it that when we adopt a flag for the ACT that is the one they will have on their desks. I do feel spurred into action on the matter. It is one the Government has been considering, and in fact it has been considered over many years, as Mr Kaine pointed out. It is not a trivial issue; it is
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