Page 401 - Week 02 - Wednesday, 24 February 1993
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MR STEVENSON: There was a distinct, definite and appalling lack of consultation. That is what I was alluding to, and I am happy to explain the specific points.
MADAM SPEAKER: I think that if you would stick to "distinct lack of consultation" that will be fine.
MR STEVENSON: Yes, indeed. It is very easy to do that.
MADAM SPEAKER: Just a minute, Mr Stevenson. But, if you put any sort of interpretation on that, then, of course - - -
Mr Kaine: If I say that Mr Connolly does not listen, is that unparliamentary? Is that what you are saying?
MADAM SPEAKER: Mr Kaine, I think that if you listened to me - - -
Mr Kaine: I am asking for clarification.
MADAM SPEAKER: I think that if you listened to me you would understand that that is not at all what I am saying.
Mr Kaine: But Mr Stevenson said that people were not listening, and you are ruling him out of order.
MADAM SPEAKER: Mr Stevenson, if I may be permitted to continue, I am simply pointing out to you that any interpretation then becomes an improper imputation; but, if you simply stick to the point that you believe that people were not listening, that is fine.
MR STEVENSON: I am certainly happy to stick to the point that there was no consultation. On the matter of banning circuses there was nothing that could have been called fair consultation with the circus industry, with the circus fans of Australia, with the Circus Federation of Australasia. When the amendment Bill banning circuses was introduced there was an unsuccessful attempt to pass it in about a week. That is an indication of the lack of consultation. These are facts. As I said, there was no worthwhile consultation at all with the circus industry. I grant that one of their representatives went to see Mr Lamont and called into the office, but as far as - - -
Mr Kaine: Did Mr Lamont listen?
MR STEVENSON: Once again I cannot comment on that, but there certainly was no fair consultation. Why was there none? Why do we believe that we know better? Why do we believe that we should take actions without consulting the people affected by the legislation that we propose?
It is probably worth while to look at why people in Canberra support circuses. I think it is a good point. They support circuses because they see the joy in the eyes of children who go along to circuses. They remember the joy they had as children when they went to circuses. I think that they would say that the circus folk, far from mistreating animals or acting cruelly towards animals, love the animals that they work with; that they love the animals that they live with; that they love the animals that are so much a part of their lives.
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