Page 645 - Week 03 - Tuesday, 23 March 1993
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MR STEVENSON (3.33): I think we understand why Mr De Domenico is being taken off the Tourism Committee. However, I felt it worth while to mention some points about it. The committee, as we know, started a year ago, and is well into its report. I believe, from reports, that the committee is working well. Mr De Domenico, of course, is the chairman. The committee has done a number of trips. One would ask the question: Will the change benefit the people?
Mr Berry: How do you know?
MR STEVENSON: Mr Berry says, "How do I know?". It is called asking people. It is something that perhaps some members opposite could do more often with the public.
I would ask whether or not it is in the best interests of Canberrans to remove a chairman so far into an inquiry. We all understand that Mr De Domenico has had fairly vast experience in promoting Canberra - in tourism to some degree, as the president of the Chamber of Commerce.
Mr Berry: What did you have to do to get this speech?
MR STEVENSON: Mr Berry once again says to Mr De Domenico, "What did you have to do to get this speech?". But I think it is a relevant matter that we should look at: Should committees operate politically, or should they operate in the best interests of Canberra? After all, we say a prayer each day. One would ask: Is this going to be in the best interests of Canberrans? I understand the politics of the matter, but I am concerned that the politics of the matter will interfere with the Tourism Committee and interfere with the final report. I do not doubt that the new chairman, whoever that is, will do their utmost to do the very best possible. Nevertheless, not having been there for a year will make it exceedingly difficult. I think, once again, these things should not be just a formality; we should look at what we do when we change the chairmanship of a committee well into its report.
MR BERRY (Minister for Health, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Sport) (3.36): Madam Speaker, how dare Mr Stevenson rise in this Assembly and tell members how they ought to be involved in committee work. This is the person who does least on committees in this Assembly and this is the person who takes the money and does not produce the goods.
Mr Stevenson: I did mention that I will be happy to be on any committee that looks at citizens' rights.
MR BERRY: As long as the other 16 agree with him. He will play a game that he wants to play, but in relation to the legitimate affairs of this Assembly where members are involved in the committee process - - -
Mr Stevenson: On a point of order, Madam Speaker: I do not believe that this has any relevance whatsoever to the question before the Assembly. My personal experiences in this Assembly have nothing whatsoever to do with whether or not this committee should be changed.
MADAM SPEAKER: I will not uphold that point of order, Mr Stevenson. Please proceed, Mr Berry.
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