Page 3950 - Week 15 - Wednesday, 16 December 1992
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MR MOORE (10.35), in reply: I thank members for their support. I shall take up a couple of points. Firstly, the Chief Minister pointed out that this Bill was introduced last week and is being debated this week, and that is a very valid point. It is a similar situation to the Bill introduced last week by Mr Connolly and debated last night to amend the Crimes Act to allow police to charge people with fighting. That Bill recognised a problem that had occurred recently and tackled it immediately. That is why all members of the Assembly were prepared not only to support it but also to act quickly. Similarly with this Bill, a problem has arisen and it has been dealt with quickly and put right.
I appreciate the support of members for what is obviously a non-controversial Bill. That is quite different from some of the Bills that are coming before us this afternoon. However, far be it from me to pre-empt anything on the notice paper. I know that this Bill will allow people who are dealing with a quite difficult study to ask some people who operate outside the law - people who are either dependent or non-dependent drug users - to give information openly, knowing that they are protected. The real punch in this amendment is that they will know that they are protected, without the doubt that was hanging over them before, which Ms Follett identified. Members' support is greatly appreciated.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
Bill agreed to in principle.
Leave granted to dispense with the detail stage.
Bill agreed to.
STANDING ORDERS 171 AND 172 - PROPOSED AMENDMENTS
MR STEVENSON (10.38): I move:
That standing orders 171 and 172 be omitted and the following substituted:
171. When a Bill has been presented, the Member shall move - "That this Bill be noted", and the debate on the question shall then be adjourned for a period of not less than 14 days on the motion of another Member. If the question is agreed to, the Member in charge of the Bill shall then move - "That this Bill be agreed to in principle" and the debate on the question shall then be adjourned for a period of not less than 14 days on the motion of another Member.
172. The question "That this Bill be agreed to in principle" shall not be determined by the Assembly within 59 days of the day of introduction, except in the case of a bill declared to be an urgent Bill.
Members, I ask that we give the people of Canberra a Christmas present. What greater Christmas present could we give them - - -
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