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

Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1996 Week 8 Hansard (27 June) . . Page.. 2227 ..

MR HUMPHRIES (continuing):

Before a proposal can be registered, it will have to be cleared by the Electoral Commissioner to make sure that it is within the power of the Legislative Assembly and cannot interfere with the budget by proposing or prohibiting expenditure of specific amounts of public money for particular purposes. The threshold of 5 per cent of electors would be quite difficult to achieve and is right at the top of the range in the light of international experience. This high threshold will serve to defeat frivolous or crackpot proposals without being too high to stymie voter-initiated referenda altogether. Another safeguard in the process is the high level of support needed for a proposed law. In most other jurisdictions a referendum is passed if it is supported by the majority of those who decide to vote at a voluntary poll. By contrast, this Bill requires support of the majority under compulsory voting.

Mr Moore: Remember, Gary, it was the same on the Royal Canberra Hospital.

Mrs Carnell: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I am trying to listen to the speech.

MR SPEAKER: I am aware that it is the last day of term and some of the children are playing up. I would ask you to please hear the - - -

Mr Berry: Mr Speaker, it is one thing to tolerate imputations from those opposite but tolerating imputations from you is going a bit too far.

MR SPEAKER: I am very sorry. The fact of the matter is, Mr Moore - Mr Berry, rather - - -

Mr Moore: I take a point of order, Mr Speaker. Fancy calling him Mr Moore. That is terribly offensive.

MR SPEAKER: I will leave you two to sort that out. Please, can we have some quiet while the Minister continues with his presentation speech. Thank you.

Mr Moore: We have heard it before, Mr Speaker.

MR SPEAKER: Nevertheless, Mr Moore, Mr Humphries is entitled to silence when he is making his speech, the same as you are. Please continue, Mr Humphries.

MR HUMPHRIES: Mr Speaker, I believe you should be tolerant of the fact that there are severe vested interests that are being attacked by this Bill, and other people in the chamber may feel that their exclusive power to make laws for this Territory has been compromised by this. We should be understanding of the pain that some members of the Assembly will feel from this proposal.

Mr Berry: Why do you not put it to the vote straightaway? Declare it urgent, Gary.

MR SPEAKER: Order! Please continue with your presentation speech, Mr Humphries.

MR HUMPHRIES: Mr Speaker, another check built into the system - - -

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