Page 4756 - Week 15 - Thursday, 16 December 1993
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MR WOOD: I think that is certainly the case. They have resigned from offering any responsible alternative leadership. At the time I thought it was the worst speech I had heard in four years in this Assembly. That is certainly the case. It completely abandoned any responsible approach.
Then, two months later, we get this MPI in which they criticise the performance of the ACT Government. In the face of that performance by Mrs Carnell, the speeches that we have heard from those opposite are simply reprehensible. They are not sustainable. There is absolutely no credibility on that side to criticise this Government in relation to performance during this year. If Mrs Carnell wants to restore her standing in the community she should look to a responsible approach to the finances of the ACT. Instead of that, they moved an amendment to a very sensible education budget.
Mr Moore: I take a point of order, Madam Speaker.
MR WOOD: There he goes again.
Mr Moore: Mr Wood says, "There he goes again". Madam Speaker, the reason he is concerned is that the point of order I raise is a serious one. I raised it before in this debate when the Temporary Deputy Speaker was here. I refer to standing order 52. This is a reflection on a vote of the Assembly. It is clearly out of order, Madam Speaker, and I ask you to make that clear to the Minister.
MR WOOD: Madam Speaker, this has been debated. I can quote from some of the references we refer to, namely:
This rule is not interpreted in such a way as to prevent a reasonable expression of views on matters of public concern.
It is a standing order and there are particular reasons for it, so that we do not revisit whole areas; but it does not exclude them. I am going to move away from it, Mr Moore, so you need not jump up ad infinitum.
MADAM SPEAKER: Thank you. I believe that Mr Wood has made a fair explanation of his intentions, Mr Moore, and as such did not intend to reflect badly on a vote.
MR WOOD: Just do not keep jumping up about it. Madam Speaker, the Opposition is simply in no position - - -
Mr Moore: I take a point of order, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, standing order 58 provides that - - -
Mr Kaine: The Opposition is in a position. It is right here.
Mr Moore: That is not the one I am after. That is the digression one.
Mr Humphries: Yes, digression.
Mr Moore: Yes, standing order 58 was right. The Minister is supposed to be talking about the Government, Madam Speaker, not the Opposition. I believe that he is digressing.
MADAM SPEAKER: The advice has been taken. Mr Wood will proceed.
Debate interrupted.
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