Page 1859 - Week 07 - Tuesday, 15 June 1993
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Why do they look so bad?". It is simply that the Assembly has suggested that they should have a little bit of a say. After the goings-on in here this morning, I think it is probably a damn good idea. The more of it that we can have, the better.
Mr Lamont: Until we abolish it.
MR STEVENSON: Until we abolish it. Indeed, Mr Lamont.
Mr Lamont: I thought I would get that in to help you out, Dennis.
MR STEVENSON: Thank you. Most of the time it is taken as a gimme, and I mention it only when someone brings up some other nonsense.
Mrs Grassby: Why are you still here?
MR STEVENSON: Why am I still here? Give me some time one day and we will have a bit of a debate over the ACT Legislative Assembly, its State-like powers and whether or not the people of Canberra - - -
MADAM SPEAKER: Mr Stevenson, address your remarks to the Chair and to the amendments, please. Please do not be distracted.
MR STEVENSON: We will debate whether or not the people of Canberra will benefit by having their members able to disallow certain appointments. It is a perfectly reasonable - - -
Mr Lamont: Madam Speaker, could I ask that the air-conditioner be turned back on? At least the noise would drown out some of the words.
MADAM SPEAKER: I think it has died of its own accord, Mr Lamont.
MR STEVENSON: That was not kind, Mr Lamont.
Mr Moore: Accurate, but not kind.
MR STEVENSON: I do not think it was accurate, either. Madam Speaker, the amendments are perfectly reasonable. It is unfortunate that the Labor members do not accept the proposals in the way that they are made. Mr Kaine made the point perfectly. If the point he made was incorrect, let Labor members stand up and rebut the point. The point was: "Give us an opportunity to comment on the appointees. Give us that chance, and then where is your problem?". Mr Berry has a smile on his face, perhaps, and he might like to answer the question.
Mr Humphries: Is that a smile?
MR STEVENSON: I was not sure. I said "perhaps". You might like to answer the question. Where has the problem been when there has been consultation? The trouble in this community, the trouble in this Assembly, has been that there is little or no consultation. You have plenty of time. Let us make the point. Answer the question, because that is the valid question on this debate. The valid question is not whether the world will end, whether the US Government will come down or whether the ACT Government will come down if these amendments are passed. The question is: If there were fair and adequate consultation with other members of this Assembly, where then would the problem be? Let us hear the answer to that.
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