Page 1589 - Week 06 - Wednesday, 12 August 1992
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .
It is true that there are dozens of amendments to this Bill. As Mr Humphries said, while he was talking another one landed on the table. As we all well know, many changes are agreed upon as the days go on. If there is an opportunity for this Bill to go to a committee, I doubt that there would be anybody brave enough to say that there would not be beneficial amendments, perhaps major amendments, made to it. Why is this so important in the ACT? It is because we do not have an upper house. In any other State except Queensland - - -
Mr Connolly: Do you want one?
MR STEVENSON: Once again, any time I mention an upper house I am asked, "Do you want one?". As I have said in the past, if I considered that the ACT Legislative Assembly was constitutional and if we needed anything but a council in this area, indeed I would agree with having an upper house. I would vote for one tomorrow in Queensland, as an example.
I noticed when reading the Bill that it talks about mutilation and various things along those lines. It reminded me of a white cockatoo that we had in our family for 70 years. I understand that it was 70 years, from stories passed down from mum. The white cockatoos live to over 100 years. My mother regularly used to cut the feathers of the bird to make sure that it did not fly away. It also used to be on a chain occasionally when we did not want the garden clipped, the flowers clipped and so on.
Mrs Grassby: The poor thing.
MR STEVENSON: It was not a poor thing; it was one of the most beloved animals. We were not the only family that loved animals. So, once again, there could be unintended consequences if there are requirements in various areas. I think it reasonable that there be fair consultation with the different industries that are the targets of the legislation, perhaps in an unintended manner. I think we would agree that there would be beneficial changes if it were put to an inquiry, so let us do the right thing. We have no upper house here. Let us have a really good look at it before we cause problems.
Question put:
That the motion (Mr Westende's) be agreed to.
The Assembly voted -
AYES, 8 NOES, 9
Mrs Carnell Mr Berry
Mr Cornwell Mr Connolly
Mr De Domenico Ms Ellis
Mr Humphries Ms Follett
Mr Kaine Mrs Grassby
Mr Stevenson Mr Lamont
Ms Szuty Ms McRae
Mr Westende Mr Moore
Mr Wood
Question so resolved in the negative.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .