Page 3676 - Week 12 - Thursday, 13 October 1994
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MR STEVENSON (4.41): Some worthwhile points should be made. Firstly, it is important to hear what people say. No-one has ever claimed that that is a problem with me. It is relevant to mention that these microphones are not amplifiers. They do nothing to help people be heard in this Assembly, unless they are hooked up to the cubbyhole in the back. They are not amplifiers.
MADAM SPEAKER: Mr Stevenson, are you speaking to this debate?
MR STEVENSON: If you are trying to follow a detailed argument as sensitive as this one, you have to listen to the train of thought. If that train of thought is interfered with or the thread is lost, for whatever reason - someone coming up and speaking to you, or whatever; and I can understand people wanting to make different points - it is very hard to pick it up again. This specific point was made before, and it is relevant, because I am confused to some degree about the exact happenings as far as the number of beds we do or do not have.
Mr Kaine said a similar thing. One of the reasons may be that you do not necessarily hear exactly what is said. Earlier I mentioned that it was difficult to hear. It is unfortunate that the Speaker, who is now leaving - I hope that she listens in, because I am going to make a few more points - used the tone of voice that she did.
MADAM TEMPORARY DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mrs Grassby): Mr Stevenson, the tone of voice of the Speaker has nothing to do with the debate. If you have a problem with the Speaker, I suggest that you take it up with her in her office.
MR STEVENSON: Why it is important is that if I say - - -
Mr Berry: On a point of order, Madam Speaker: It is quite improper to reflect on the Chair, with respect, and I think you should ask Mr Stevenson to withdraw that. It is improper.
MR STEVENSON: Ha, ha, ha!
Mr Berry: It is improper to reflect on the Chair.
MR STEVENSON: You have a ripe chance of that.
MADAM TEMPORARY DEPUTY SPEAKER: Mr Stevenson, would you keep to the motion.
MR STEVENSON: I am expected to vote this afternoon on a censure motion. I could leave and say, "Look, it is all such nonsense that I will go". I looked at whether or not I should abstain and leave people with it, but it is important. I have to be able to hear the debate to make a fair decision.
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