Page 1694 - Week 06 - Thursday, 13 August 1992
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Mr Stevenson: That means that nine people can throw everything in the bin.
MADAM TEMPORARY DEPUTY SPEAKER: Mr Stevenson, could we have some order, please?
MR BERRY: And members do so at their discretion. If a member decides to misbehave in the Assembly, the standing orders can be adjusted to cope with that. If you choose to use the standing orders to the point where the management of the Assembly is bordering on being out of control, measures have to be taken by this Assembly - - -
Mr Cornwell: On a point of order: Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker Grassby, it is a reflection on Speaker McRae and me as Deputy Speaker to say that the Assembly is bordering on being out of control.
Mr Kaine: And it is a reflection on you.
Mr Cornwell: And on you, Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker.
MR BERRY: There is no imputation against the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker or you, Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker. If the standing orders are unable to control the members in a way that ensures that the management of this place can be dealt with efficiently, it is incumbent upon all of the members of this Assembly to decide whether or not the standing orders are appropriate.
It appears - it certainly is the case as far as the Government is concerned - that the Liberals in particular, and Mr Stevenson as well, are engaging in filibustering in the extreme, with a view to delaying this Bill. I think that is just a stunt, and it has to be dealt with in a way which results in the matter being expedited. The Government is not going to sit by and let the Liberals pull a stunt like this. We will not stand by idly and allow you to continue with this stunt. This is nothing more than a stunt. Nobody minds fair debate. The aim of this suspension of standing orders is to allow a member - any member; you included - to move for the gag to be imposed, and there will be no discretionary powers which can be called upon in relation to the matter. That will expedite the issue, I am sure.
I remind you that, if the matter is dealt with sensibly, nobody from the Government will move the gag. But I have to say to you that, if I see any repeat of what Mr Humphries has been up to in relation to his long and drawn-out arguments, the gag will be moved. If the Liberal Opposition and Mr Stevenson are prepared to deal with this issue sensibly, and not engage in repetitious filibusters, the Government will listen to what you say. But we will not tolerate the sorts of antics that you have engaged in today. We seek to manage this place properly. We seek to have this place managed in a way that means that we can expedite the Bill that is before the house. The majority will decide. You have a choice to vote with the motion or against it. It is your choice. We will cop the decision.
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