Page 1394 - Week 05 - Wednesday, 12 May 1993
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They say, "Didn't you have one there?". You say, "Yes, we have the Australian Electoral Commission here". They say, "Well, can't they do it? Can't they run it?". You say, "They ran the 1989 one and they ran the 1992 one". People say, "What happened?". You say, "It must have been because the ACT legislators wanted to spend a lot more of the taxpayers' money". What an absolute nonsense that is! Where is the value of that?
We have a situation where the Chief Minister says that we must uphold the principle of democracy. This is the person who talks about consultation like a drunk talks about becoming a non-alcoholic. I think it is a sad situation that we have so many people not prepared to do what the people want. It might be a cute idea for politicians to think that they are above it all, to think that they are a group of elitists. The way some of the people in the Labor Party operate in this Assembly specifically would give you the idea that they feel that they have the divine right of kings.
Mrs Grassby: Madam Speaker, I take a point of order. Is it relevant? This does not seem like it is relevant to the point.
MADAM SPEAKER: I would ask you to focus on the motion, Mr Stevenson.
MR STEVENSON: Perhaps the relevance is whether or not people in Canberra are benefiting from this ACT Legislative Assembly. I would suggest - - -
Mr Moore: We notice that you are taking the super now, too.
MR STEVENSON: Mr Moore says that he notices that I am taking the super. Let us take a look at that. I refused the super. Unfortunately the money is taken straight out of the pay-packet. I tried to do something about it, but was unable to. If you come up with a good idea or if you - - -
Mr Moore: Oh, you are taking it now.
MADAM SPEAKER: Order!
MR STEVENSON: Will you vote with me to amend the Act? Just give me a yes.
Mr Moore: Or will you just knock it back?
MADAM SPEAKER: Order!
MR STEVENSON: Okay. So put up or shut up.
MADAM SPEAKER: Order, Mr Stevenson!
MR STEVENSON: Thank you, Madam Speaker. Vote with me to amend the Act. Give me an opportunity to reject it.
Mr Moore: I take a point of order, Madam Speaker, under standing order 62. If the member continues to be irrelevant or to use repetition you have the prerogative of ordering the member to cease speaking. I would ask you to consider that as a possibility.
MADAM SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr Moore. I believe that you have one minute and 53 seconds left, Mr Stevenson. I will not deny you any of your time. Please continue.
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