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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1996 Week 5 (Hansard) 16 May) . . Page.. 1374 ..

Mr Humphries: Mr Speaker, I raise a point of order. In asking the question of the Chief Minister, Mr Berry said the words, which I think I quote exactly, "Will you apologise for having misled this Assembly?". He has made the very accusation of the Chief Minister which he now asks her to withdraw in respect of Ms McRae. He should either withdraw his question and apologise or adopt a consistent standard in this place himself.

MR SPEAKER: The Chief Minister has indicated that Ms McRae misled the Assembly, but she has not yet demonstrated how she did it. I cannot make a judgment on that until I hear about it. You cannot have it both ways.

Ms McRae: She cannot impugn my motives under any circumstances, Mr Speaker, and you know that as well as I do. The standing orders specifically preclude it.

MR SPEAKER: Sit down. I will name you if you do that again.

MRS CARNELL: Mr Speaker, I think that the issue being debated here right now is having the same rules for both sides of this house. Mr Berry said quite categorically in his question - - -

Mr Berry: Mr Speaker, I raised a point of order. I would ask you to rule on it. The Chief Minister has impugned Ms McRae. She said that Ms McRae had misled the chamber. I would ask you to order the Chief Minister to withdraw that.

MR SPEAKER: I can only order the Chief Minister to withdraw it if I also order you to withdraw your question.

Mr Berry: Mr Speaker, I raised a point of order. I ask you to rule on it.

MR SPEAKER: I did.

MRS CARNELL: Mr Speaker, I am happy to withdraw if Mr Berry withdraws his question.

Mr Berry: There can be no conditions on it, Mr Speaker. I will not withdraw my question. If Mrs Carnell feels that I have impugned her character, I will withdraw that; but she should withdraw the attack on Ms McRae unconditionally.

MR SPEAKER: Very well. Mr Berry has withdrawn.

MRS CARNELL: Mr Speaker, I am happy to quote from the Hansard that I was referring to. It is on page 77 of the uncorrected proof of the 14th - - -

Mr Berry: Mr Speaker, has she withdrawn it yet?

MRS CARNELL: I said that I was happy to withdraw, as long as he did.

Mr Berry: There can be no conditions on this, Mr Speaker.

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