Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .

None . . Page.. 25 ..

MR BERRY (3.30): Mr Speaker, the Labor Party will be opposing this proposal. May I say at the outset that it is the third motion in this new Assembly and the first rort. One of the things that we have prided ourselves on in this Assembly is access to the committee process by members on a fair basis. We have done that in accordance with the standing orders. The two relevant standing orders, I suggest, are 220 and 221. Standing order 220 states that committees should consist of not more than seven members unless otherwise ordered. So, that allows for the establishment of committees of a number of sizes, to allow equal access to the committee process by members in accordance with the standing orders.

The other relevant standing order, 221, states:

Membership of committees shall be composed of representatives of all groups and parties in the Assembly as nearly as practicable proportional to their representation in the Assembly.

Paragraph (10) of Mr Moore's motion says:

The foregoing provisions, so far as they are inconsistent with the standing orders, have effect notwithstanding - - -

Mr Moore: On a point of order, Mr Speaker: Mr Berry is getting a bit ahead of himself. He is speaking to a motion that I have not moved. I think he should save that for later. What we are doing at the moment is just establishing the five standing committees. I would be comfortable with moving all these motions together so that we can deal with this matter in one hit rather than being here all afternoon, if that would suit members.

MR SPEAKER: First of all, I uphold the point of order. We are discussing the motions for the establishment of five committees. We are not discussing the detail of the committees, which I understand is the subject of a motion that Mr Moore proposes to move shortly. So, Mr Berry, would you confine your remarks to the motions.

MR BERRY: It has been circulated, Mr Speaker.

MR SPEAKER: Yes. So have other things, Mr Berry. But I suggest that you confine yourself to the motions before the Chair at the moment. I could put the question and then we could move on to a more substantive debate on the next motion, if that were your wish.

MR BERRY: That would suit me.

MR SPEAKER: Very well. I think that is the best way to do it.

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .