Page 3183 - Week 10 - Thursday, 16 September 1993
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I believe that it is appropriate for us to support this motion. I congratulate the Chief Minister on her negotiations with the Federal Government over this matter. One of the critical factors is the assurance she has had about the retention of employment in the ACT. I think that is a very positive outcome, particularly considering that the Federal Government could simply exercise its power under section 122 of the Constitution and do this anyway. They do not want to pursue such a process and use bullying as a tactic; nor should they. It is appropriate that this Assembly as a whole agree that a national scheme be implemented. I thank the Chief Minister for providing officers for a briefing for Ms Szuty and me the other day, and I take pleasure in supporting this motion.
MR STEVENSON (11.45): Mr Moore follows Mr Lamont in talking about freedom of speech and then putting his foot in his mouth and saying things that are absolutely outlandish and totally off the tone of the debate. Mr Moore makes claims that he well knows he cannot substantiate. Mr Moore was one of the members of this Assembly on 4 July 1989 who voted against the opportunity for a special committee of this Assembly to look at the constitutional matters relating to the establishment of self-government. On that day the Assembly approved a committee of inquiry into various aspects of self-government, and there were four terms of reference.
Mr Moore: On a point of order, Mr Temporary Deputy Speaker: There is a question, first of all, of relevance; but there is also a reflection on a vote of the Assembly.
MR TEMPORARY DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Westende): I am sure that Mr Stevenson will take that into consideration.
MR STEVENSON: Indeed, I will. I looked at those four terms of reference and thought, "Good heavens; they have missed one. They have not looked at the constitutionality of the Federal Government forcing an unwanted State-like parliament on the people of the ACT against their will, as clearly shown at a referendum". Of course, the Federal Government is not much concerned about the will of the people, as unfortunately this Assembly often is not. On that day I mentioned the various sections under which the Commonwealth Government has responsibility for the seat of government.
Mr Moore: I raise a further point of order, Mr Temporary Deputy Speaker. I would like to be able to rise to apologise to members for throwing the bait to Mr Stevenson, but that is not a point of order. Instead, I will raise standing order 62, irrelevance or tedious repetition, because we have heard this from Mr Stevenson ad infinitum.
MR TEMPORARY DEPUTY SPEAKER: Mr Stevenson, I am sure that you will take that into consideration.
MR STEVENSON: Yes, indeed. It is particularly relevant when we look at Federal powers, as against ACT and State powers.
Mr Berry: Are they not constitutional either? The Federal Government is not constitutional either? You have me puzzled.
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