Page 3179 - Week 10 - Thursday, 16 September 1993
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Mr Lamont: In destroying the evidence.
MR MOORE: In destroying the evidence. That was not appropriate. If somebody wants to look at the speech, I believe that the term used at the time was "shredding the evidence". Madam Speaker, it is quite clear that when I have made a mistake I am prepared to say so.
I would like to come back to the debate that we have had. Madam Speaker, we should recognise the angst that goes with exercising freedom of speech. As I said in my initial comments on the motion, it is a power that carries with it a great deal of stress. Even the debate this morning has indicated the level of feeling associated with it. It is so much more difficult, Madam Speaker, in a chamber that has only 17 members who generally work together in a very cooperative way on committees and on other issues. However, when parliamentary privilege is exercised we feel a great deal of dissatisfaction about the way that positive working relationship is undermined. It does have that effect. So more things are taken into account when one uses parliamentary privilege. It is a power that has to be used without fear and without favour.
I believe that the carriage of this motion will assist in encouraging us to do that, Madam Speaker. It will also make it clear that you have the power to remind members - not to stop them - to consider whether or not it is desirable and in the spirit of this motion to proceed. I think that is an important part of what we are trying to achieve by adopting this motion. Madam Speaker, I commend the motion to the Assembly.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
LEGAL AFFAIRS - STANDING COMMITTEE
Inquiries
MR HUMPHRIES: I seek leave to make a statement on new inquiries by the Standing Committee on Legal Affairs.
Leave granted.
MR HUMPHRIES: Madam Speaker, I inform the Assembly that on 18 June 1993 the Standing Committee on Legal Affairs resolved to inquire into and report on, by 31 March 1994, use of unsworn statements in judicial proceedings and the Coroners (Amendment) Bill 1993 exposure draft; and by 31 December 1994, the operation of the legal profession in the ACT and the court system in the ACT, with particular reference to the procedures used in courts and the cost of administering justice. I also inform the Assembly that on 9 September 1993 the Standing Committee on Legal Affairs resolved to inquire into and report on, by 31 December 1993, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Bill 1993.
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