Page 2700 - Week 09 - Thursday, 25 August 1994
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In the particular case of Mr Wason, Madam Speaker, I have asked the ACT Trades and Labour Council to nominate a representative to EPACT, and he has been the representative whom they have nominated. They have had other nominees from time to time. As members will be aware, EPACT represents the coming together of business, union and community interests and the Government to discuss economic matters of importance to this Territory. I have always been satisfied with their advice. I have always found it to be even-handed. Indeed, you can see by the number of their recommendations that have been implemented by the Government that it is advice that I have taken.
MR DE DOMENICO: I ask a supplementary question, Madam Speaker. Noting that the Pearce report and the pre-empting actions of Mr Lamont were made because of the failure of that board to make a proper economic decision, which has put this Territory down the tube by at least $4m, will the Chief Minister say whether Mr Wason still has her confidence with regard to the standard required by her for managers of public enterprises? If not, will she make sure that Mr Wason resigns from all the positions that he holds? If he does not, will she sack him?
MS FOLLETT: Madam Speaker, I have played a straight bat to this question so far; but I do not believe that this continuation of the politics of smear and innuendo in any way does credit to the Assembly. It is quite clear that this is the tack which the Liberals are going to pursue. We have heard time after time this personal attack. It started with Mr Stan Aliprandi and Ms Cheryl Vardon. It has gone on through Mr Charles Wright and now Mr George Wason. Anybody and everybody are considered fair game by this mob of scum opposite, and I just do not think it is good enough. Madam Speaker, it is abundantly clear to anybody who has - - -
Mr Humphries: I rise on a point of order. Madam Speaker, I think you have disallowed terms much less virulent than "mob of scum". I think it is beneath this place, no matter what we feel about issues, to call other members by that sort of term. I would ask you to ask the Chief Minister to withdraw it.
MADAM SPEAKER: Chief Minister, I think it would be appropriate for you to withdraw that.
MS FOLLETT: I will withdraw it, Madam Speaker; but I will say that I regard as absolutely despicable the continued personal attacks being mounted by the Opposition on people who are not here to defend themselves. They have gone through one person after another, targeting them, getting them in their sights, and seeking to smear their character and besmirch their good name. It is absolutely despicable behaviour. It is an indulgence on their part which we, on this side of politics, have never had any part of. I hope that you will note that. Madam Speaker, I have absolute confidence in EPACT's ability and that of all of its members to discharge the terms of reference that I have put before them in a competent, very intelligent and very considered and balanced manner.
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