Page 2365 - Week 08 - Wednesday, 22 June 1994
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MR STEVENSON (4.12): Madam Speaker, I seek leave to speak again. I was brief the second time, as you know.
Leave granted.
MR STEVENSON: Madam Speaker, I think the proposer of a motion or an amendment should have the right to speak last, to handle any queries that have been brought up. Perhaps that is something we can look at in the future.
I do not know whom to start with - Mr Lamont or Mr Berry. Let me start with B; that is first. Mr Berry made some bizarre claims and sought to move us down some amazing road that would call people names. He talked about these things being seen to be racist. Racism, as with most other labels, is largely used in our society to prevent discussion and freedom of speech. I know that there are people who would decry that. I know that there are many people who do not have the guts to say it, particularly in parliament. Nonetheless, it is true and is easily presented as being true. It is unfortunate, because that does not serve anybody. What we should have in society, not just in this Assembly, is the right to present any view. Is not the best way to oppose a view to hold it up for all to see?
Mr Berry referred to earlier times. One of them was when the Discrimination Bill was being passed by this house and I debated over three days against certain of the contents of that Bill. Let me pick up that one. Is it not fair that anyone should be able to have an opportunity to say what is in a Bill and have that presented for the community to find out about? One of the things I presented was that this Bill says that someone can be investigated without complaint, that this Bill - - -
Mr Berry: On a point of order, Madam Speaker: Relevance to the amendment.
MR STEVENSON: This Bill mentions the Discrimination Act in this clause. I thought I would get that in early.
MADAM SPEAKER: It is okay, Mr Stevenson. Mr Berry did bring up discrimination. The amendments, as I understand it, refer to possible discriminatory action, as Mr Moore pointed out; so you may continue.
MR STEVENSON: Thank you, Madam Speaker. This Bill allows people to be investigated without complaint; it is in there. This Bill does not allow anyone the right to have legal representation before the tribunal; it is in there. It is incorrect to suggest that the commissioner can allow someone the right. That is not a right. This Bill can compel someone to attend a hearing at a specified time and place.
Ms Follett: I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. With respect, we are not debating the Discrimination Act, which Mr Stevenson is doing. The reference to the Discrimination Act in the clause we are debating is a reference only to the definitions within that Act, not to the provisions of the Act.
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