Page 4350 - Week 14 - Wednesday, 30 November 1994
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Budget Performance and Outcomes Committee
MR BERRY: My question is directed to Mr Kaine, as chair of the Public Accounts Committee. Mr Kaine, you and all your friends - Liberal or otherwise - can go out and can continue to buy that cheap petrol provided by the Labor Government. Mr Kaine, your view that the recent report of the Budget Performance and Outcomes Committee contains recommendations which ought to have been developed by your committee is well known. Is it not a fact that the outcomes and criticisms are no different from those which your committee would make in the circumstances, given that the composition of both of the committees is essentially the same in terms of political balance?
MR KAINE: Madam Speaker, I presume that you have made a ruling as to whether it is a proper question to be directed to me, in the first place.
MADAM SPEAKER: I have not been asked that, Mr Kaine. There is no point of order.
MR KAINE: They are the standing orders.
MADAM SPEAKER: Order! You are in charge of the Public Accounts Committee. The question is to you, Mr Kaine.
Mr Humphries: Madam Speaker, on a point of order: The question being posed to Mr Kaine is: What if? It is a purely hypothetical question, and it is outlawed by standing orders.
MADAM SPEAKER: No, I did not hear any "if" there, Mr Humphries.
Mr Humphries: He said, "Would you not have made the same decision?". That is a hypothetical question, surely. Perhaps Mr Berry should read the question again so that we can see whether or not it is hypothetical.
Mr Berry: I do not need to. Madam Speaker, fear of what Mr Kaine might say is not a reason to take a point of order. I am sure that he will answer it graciously.
MADAM SPEAKER: Order! I heard "what, in your view". Mr Kaine is in charge of the PAC. It did not ring any bells with me. However, I will let Mr Kaine decide, on this occasion.
MR KAINE: Madam Speaker, when the member asks, "What is your view?", he is asking for an opinion.
MADAM SPEAKER: Then the question is out of order.
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