Page 464 - Week 02 - Wednesday, 24 February 1993
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ADJOURNMENT
MADAM SPEAKER: Order! It being 4.30 pm, I propose the question:
That the Assembly do now adjourn.
Mr Berry: I require the question to be put forthwith without debate.
Question resolved in the negative.
BUSINESS FRANCHISE ("X" VIDEOS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1993
Detail Stage
Debate resumed.
MS FOLLETT (Chief Minister and Treasurer) (4.30): Madam Speaker, very briefly, I listened to Mr Humphries's comments and I will take on board what he said. I presume that it was genuinely meant. I do assure the Assembly that these Bills, and indeed any draft of these Bills, were not available very much before they were introduced into this Assembly. It is an unfortunate fact that this activity occurred over the traditional Christmas period, at a time when many people, including me, were on leave. The Government considered these matters not so very long ago and I introduced the Bills at the very first opportunity available to me. Nevertheless, I take seriously the comments made by Mr Humphries and I will give further consideration to what he has said.
I repeat, Madam Speaker, that I believe that when a Bill is capable of challenge on its constitutional soundness you change it at the first available opportunity rather than, as I think Mr De Domenico implied, wait until the soundness or otherwise has been ruled upon by the court, especially the High Court, because by then it is too late to take action. This is a prudent measure and, as I say, I am sorry that members opposite do not feel able to support it. I think it is for the best. I certainly think it is in the best interests of our whole community that these Acts be amended to put beyond doubt their constitutional soundness.
Amendment agreed to.
Bill, as a whole, as amended, agreed to.
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