Page 4685 - Week 15 - Thursday, 16 December 1993
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Mr Berry: I take a point of order. I think "shonk" is a little bit over the top.
MADAM SPEAKER: Yes, Mr Berry. I have asked for "shonky" to be withdrawn before and I ask for it to be withdrawn now.
Mr Moore: Come on; it is clearly a shonk.
MADAM SPEAKER: It is a word that I have asked to be withdrawn before.
Mr Humphries: Madam Speaker, may I address you on this question?
MADAM SPEAKER: Yes, Mr Humphries.
Mr Humphries: Madam Speaker, clearly, by using the word "shonk", Mr Moore is describing the process - - -
MADAM SPEAKER: Mr Humphries, I believe that I have previously asked for "shonky" to be withdrawn. If I have not, we will desist with this useless discussion; we will suspend this action until I check my own rulings.
Mr Humphries: Could we do so and not have that withdrawn in the meantime, Madam Speaker?
MADAM SPEAKER: Yes, I am happy to proceed in that way.
MS FOLLETT: Madam Speaker, a particularly important element of the Bill is the expanded role given to the ACT Electoral Commission, which includes conducting elections for the Legislative Assembly and conducting public education and information programs. The Electoral Commission - - -
Mrs Carnell: Trying to explain your stupid system.
MADAM SPEAKER: Order! The Leader of the Opposition will have her opportunity to debate this issue later. I call for order.
MS FOLLETT: The Electoral Commission will remain an independent statutory authority with autonomy appropriate to this independent status. Under the provisions already enacted in the Electoral Act 1992, the members of the commission are to be appointed by the Executive after consultation with the leader of each party in the Assembly and each Independent. An instrument of appointment is disallowable by the Assembly. Once appointed, a member of the commission can be removed from office only for misbehaviour or physical or mental incapacity, following a resolution of the Assembly. These provisions will guarantee the independence of the members of the commission.
Madam Speaker, the Electoral Commissioner will be responsible for making most day-to-day decisions, under the guidance of the full commission. Key decisions of the commissioner, or a delegate of the commissioner, will be formally reviewable by the full commission. Key decisions of the commission will, in turn, be reviewable by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal and the courts, except for decisions related to the redistribution process, which properly should be made by the commission alone.
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