Page 2335 - Week 08 - Wednesday, 22 June 1994
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As far as the Fire Brigade goes, Madam Speaker, it is very clear that our intention is to bring them within the Bill, and they know that. Madam Speaker, we have been prepared to be a little bit tolerant, a little bit conciliatory, as we were with the DPP, in relation to the Fire Brigade as well, and to give them a year to work out how their service will operate. It is a disciplined and uniformed service, despite the slurs being thrown at them by members of the Liberal Party, and that factor makes them qualitatively different from some other areas of the public service.
Members interjected.
MADAM SPEAKER: Order!
MS FOLLETT: Madam Speaker, it has been indicated to us that the service requires some time to work out how best they can fit within this Bill. I am prepared to give them that time, as I have been prepared to be conciliatory with other bodies. Madam Speaker, we will be continuing negotiations on this matter throughout the early life of the new service, and I believe that that will allow the significant areas of difference between those two types of employment to be addressed.
Madam Speaker, I have made these comments to you amidst a barrage of interjections from members opposite. In fact, I have had to raise my voice in order even to hear myself, at times. If that is to be the style of debate by the Liberal Party, on top of their filibuster, if they are going to behave like an absolute rabble, I think it does not augur well for the rest of this day's work.
Mr Kaine: I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. I take exception to that. What we have been trying to do so far is to carry on a rational, logical and unemotional debate. To be told that we are a rabble is unacceptable, I believe, and I want it withdrawn.
Mr Berry: Madam Speaker, that is hardly a point of order.
Mr Kaine: I have already taken a point of order. Sit down. I want a ruling from the Speaker, not from you.
MADAM SPEAKER: Order! Mr Kaine, I have ruled on many an occasion that a comment about the whole of a group is allowed. I do take your point of order, though, that you were not a rabble. When you are a rabble, I will call everyone to order.
Mr De Domenico: You are all a mob of hypocrites.
Mr Kaine: Thank you, Madam Speaker. I appreciate that.
Mrs Carnell: And you are all a mob of liars.
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