Page 4064 - Week 13 - Thursday, 10 November 1994
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MS FOLLETT: Madam Speaker, I thank Mr Moore for the question. I am quite happy to take it on notice to the extent that I will check out what he said. My recollection is that the guidelines do canvass the issue of publications and advertising and the fact that, particularly during that caretaker period, they ought not to have a political nature to them; but I will check out what Mr Moore has asked and, if necessary, clarify the position. It is certainly one of the basic tenets of a caretaker period that Ministers or members do not take advantage of their position in the Government to make political points, and I accept that absolutely. In putting in place caretaker provisions, I accept that it is any responsible government's duty to ensure that that is the case.
MR MOORE: I have a supplementary question, just to clarify the point, Madam Speaker. There was some discussion in this house yesterday, Chief Minister, about Mr Connolly being involved in a consumer affairs advertisement. I am wondering whether you would consider that appropriate or inappropriate if it were shown during that caretaker period.
MS FOLLETT: Madam Speaker, that is an entirely theoretical question that Mr Moore has asked. I might advise that Ministers from time to time take part in all sorts of public promotions, including advertising - I have done it myself - in the public interest. I should say that I have not seen the advertisement that Mr Connolly features in; but I am sure that it is excellent in every way and, in fact, a genuine community service, Mr Moore. I do have to say that during the caretaker period - those 36 days before the election - in general terms, I would not consider that kind of advertising appropriate.
Cyclists - Speeding in Shopping Areas
MR STEVENSON: My question is to Mr Lamont. My office has been contacted by an elderly woman. She was good enough to take the trouble to contact us and ask us for something to be done about pushbike riders riding through public shopping areas, particularly when they do so at speed. I know that we do not want to stifle youthful exuberance or to do anything to restrict the riding of pushbikes, which has great benefits in a community; nevertheless, I think we are all aware of people who have had similar problems. I ask the Minister: What is being done about this matter?
MR LAMONT: I thank the member for his question. I congratulate Dennis on receiving his second letter for the year. The question that he raises, however, is an extremely important one. It is an important one because I, as well, have received a range of correspondence throughout - - -
Mr Stevenson: It was a phone call, David. You got the letter.
MR LAMONT: It was a phone call.
Mr Berry: It was a funny.
Mr Stevenson: I do not think it is very funny, Wayne.
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