Page 4026 - Week 15 - Wednesday, 16 December 1992
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The second issue, Madam Speaker, is the last statement in the minute, which reads:
It is the intention of the Board -
that is the Board of Health -
to seek urgent advice from the Government Law Office on amendments to the legislation which would be brought forward through yourself.
That is, through me. Clearly, Madam Speaker, we have here a proposal by the department to process a solution to this problem promptly. I draw attention to the words "urgent advice". The department was to seek urgent advice to deal with this problem. That was the basis on which I took action, through my department, to deal with that problem. If that was not prompt action, if I was responsible for not having put anything up within the two months remaining to me as Minister, then how reprehensible is it for this Minister who has been - - -
Mr Connolly: At this point he is now debating the issue.
MADAM SPEAKER: Now you are debating the issue, Mr Humphries. That is quite correct, Mr Connolly.
MR HUMPHRIES: Thank you, Madam Speaker.
MR LAMONT (5.24): Madam Speaker, I have just a very brief addition to the debate this afternoon before Mr Stevenson gives his address in reply. This is directed at the Liberal Opposition. This is what they have to consider. If they are fair dinkum in supporting one letter of Dennis Stevenson's motion, they should take a quick adjournment to their party room and return to this chamber not only with the resignation - - -
Mr Kaine: I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. I do not think Mr Lamont is capable or qualified to give me advice on what I will do in my party room. He is out of order.
MADAM SPEAKER: I think he is permitted to talk about that in his speech. Please continue, Mr Lamont.
MR LAMONT: They should return to this chamber with Mr Humphries's resignation and, indeed, that of the then Chief Minister. That is the test as to whether or not the other side of this house has jumped on a political band wagon. That is the test as to whether or not the Opposition, the Liberal party, have jumped on a political band wagon presented by Mr Stevenson, or whether they seriously entertain the questions raised in Mr Stevenson's motion. Madam Speaker, they are not prepared to do that because, as I say, it is quite simply political posturing. It is no more.
We heard Mr Moore say earlier on that their own health spokesperson, when considering this matter a couple of weeks ago, did not consider it sufficient even for a censure motion to be raised here. This afternoon they are supporting something which is, by several degrees, a more serious course of action. I would suggest, Madam Speaker, that political opportunism at its worst has been demonstrated by those opposite.
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