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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1995 Week 8 Hansard (26 October) . . Page.. 2109 ..

MR STEFANIAK (continuing):

I do not often agree with Mr Moore - we are often diametrically opposed in many of our views - but he also said something sensible today and yesterday in relation to this debate: We have to look at what is the best possible educational outcome for the children. That is important, and that is something that obviously weighed heavily on the school board at Charnwood. I have confidence in this decision because we have a very good precedent already - yes, it is in your electorate, Mr Moore - in Stromlo High School, where Holder and Weston Creek amalgamated and formed an excellent school. I am very hopeful that the same thing will apply in relation to Charnwood and Ginninderra.

In relation to the other part of your question, Mr Berry, this Government, unlike you mob, is trying to address the situation of declining enrolments. As I indicated yesterday, we do not think supplementation is something that can go on forever, and we also stopped that at Stirling.

Mr Berry: Mr Speaker, I raise a point of order. He seems to be addressing something that is not part of my question. My question is: Will you now confirm that it is your intention to allow no schools in Mr Moore's electorate to close at the expense of schools in your own? That is the part of the question that is important.

MR SPEAKER: Standing order 117(b)(i) states that names of persons should not be contained in questions unless they render the question intelligible. The question of hypothetical matters is also raised. Thirdly, 117(c)(ii) states that Ministers are not allowed to announce Executive policy. So that section is ruled out of order, as far as I am concerned. Do you want to ask a supplementary question?

Mr Moore: On a point of order, Mr Speaker: Surely you cannot ask a supplementary question when your original question was totally out of order.

Mr Stefaniak: In fairness to Mr Berry, that was in his original question, I think.

MR SPEAKER: Mr Moore, I cannot uphold that. Mr Berry can ask a supplementary question based on the first half, which Mr Stefaniak answered, but not on the other section.

MR BERRY: To add a little more colour to the questioning, Mr Speaker, would Mr Stefaniak please explain to the Assembly and to the people of Charnwood why he did not offer proper support for Charnwood to explore all the options, that is, give them to them to consider and give them - - -

Mr De Domenico: On a point of order, Mr Speaker: Would you care to think about whether Mr Berry is now attempting to reflect on a vote of the Assembly?

Mr Hird: Under standing order 52.

MR SPEAKER: Order! I will allow the question. Proceed, Mr Stefaniak.

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