Page 552 - Week 02 - Thursday, 25 February 1993
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Madam Speaker, even as late as two months ago, when we dealt with the Adoption Bill, both of those honourable members argued for a delay in that legislation on much the same basis. Something dramatic has happened between December and February to change, and to change dramatically, the view of these two members. On Tuesday Mr Moore voted two important health Bills into law, two Bills which had been exposed to the public for the first time just seven days before. The following day, yesterday, he was joined by Ms Szuty in passing four Bills, also on seven days' notice, two of which were the subject of grave and publicly stated concerns from the hospitality industry. The qualms and reservations of a few weeks before had evaporated.
Today we heard that Mr Moore and Ms Szuty are to find the task of digesting difficult and complex legislation that much easier with an extra $12,000 each in staffing resources. Madam Speaker, I was not privy to the negotiations which led to this Chief Ministerial gift, but I can comment on the perception that it gives rise to.
Mr Moore: Madam Speaker, the imputation obviously is going to continue. I have tried to give Mr Humphries enough room to move but obviously he has a quite significant imputation. I will speak on the matter later but I ask you to ensure that he resists this sort of approach.
MADAM SPEAKER: I take your point, Mr Moore. I suggest, Mr Humphries, that you withdraw the word "gift". There was in no way a gift of any kind, Mr Humphries. That is an unfortunate use of the word. Would you amend that please, or withdraw it?
MR HUMPHRIES: Madam Speaker, it seems to me that, if it was not a gift, then it was given with some kind of reciprocity in mind. If that is the case - - -
Mr Moore: Madam Speaker, that is the most appalling accusation.
MR HUMPHRIES: It was either - - -
MADAM SPEAKER: Mr Humphries, I have asked you to withdraw. I have asked you to withdraw the word "gift". Withdraw it please.
MR HUMPHRIES: I withdraw.
MADAM SPEAKER: Thank you. Now proceed.
MR HUMPHRIES: The perception is that - - -
Mr Moore: Madam Speaker, I now ask that he also withdraw the comment that he made about reciprocity.
MADAM SPEAKER: I would have understood that, Mr Moore.
MR HUMPHRIES: I withdraw that. The perception is that these members are to receive additional resources in exchange for a more compliant approach to the pace of government legislation. The coincidence - - -
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