Page 4689 - Week 15 - Thursday, 16 December 1993
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MS FOLLETT: Madam Speaker, my officers will continue to examine the Bill during the recess and any finetuning as a consequence is unlikely to affect the substance of the Bill introduced today.
Members interjected.
MADAM SPEAKER: Order! Members, I am standing. I call the Chief Minister. The Leader of the Opposition will desist from making interjections.
MS FOLLETT: Thank you. I believe that the introduction of this Bill is a landmark in the evolution of this Assembly. The power to exercise control over our own electoral system is a fundamental one, as is the principle of maximising the ability of individuals to select their preferred candidates in the manner they choose.
Mr Moore: That is a misleading statement, and you know it.
MADAM SPEAKER: Order, Mr Moore!
MS FOLLETT: Madam Speaker, it is incumbent on the Assembly to exercise the power now vested in it responsibly. I believe that this Bill gives expression to that responsibility by providing for a fair, reliable electoral system that is true to the Hare-Clark system chosen for the Territory - - -
Members interjected.
MADAM SPEAKER: Order! Members, I am again standing. I now proceed to warn you that I will name the next person who interrupts for defying my orders for silence.
MS FOLLETT: Madam Speaker, I believe that this Bill gives expression to that responsibility by providing for a fair, reliable electoral system - - -
Mr Moore: I take a point of order, Madam Speaker. I believe that we have had discussion in this house before about interjections. When we look at parliamentary practice, there is room for interjections. They are a healthy part of democracy. To suggest that there be no interjections whatsoever flies in the face of parliamentary practice. I must say that I find such a ruling very difficult indeed.
MADAM SPEAKER: I call the Chief Minister.
MS FOLLETT: Madam Speaker, I believe that this Bill gives expression to that responsibility by providing for a fair, reliable electoral system that is true to the Hare-Clark system chosen for the Territory by a majority of ACT electors. Finally, Madam Speaker, I repeat the offer that I have already made to Assembly members to meet and to discuss the differences that may arise between us. This process, which was followed in relation to the 1992 Electoral Act, proved successful in reaching a consensus on the greater part of the Bill while isolating the limited areas of real difference. I present the explanatory memorandum for the Bill.
Debate (on motion by Mrs Carnell) adjourned.
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