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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1996 Week 9 Hansard (27 August) . . Page.. 2645 ..

MRS CARNELL (continuing):

I believe that the Canberra community is up to the challenge, and I look forward to the support of this Assembly as we embark upon the process of rebuilding confidence in our city, our economy and our future. I present the following paper:

The implications of the 1996-97 Federal budget for the ACT - ministerial statement, 27 August 1996.

I move:

That the Assembly takes note of the paper.

MR WHITECROSS (Leader of the Opposition) (5.00): Mr Speaker, I was interested to hear Mrs Carnell finish her speech by repeatedly referring to challenges. We all know that what Mrs Carnell means when she says that the ACT faces challenges is that they are in deep trouble and she is trying desperately to look on the bright side of it. It is only up from here - that is what she is trying to say - because it could not get any worse.

Debate interrupted.

MR SPEAKER: Order! It being 5.00 pm, I propose the question:

That the Assembly do now adjourn.

Mr Humphries: I require the question to be put forthwith without debate.

Question resolved in the negative.

Debate resumed.

MR SPEAKER: I call Mr Whitecross - reluctantly, I think.

MR WHITECROSS: Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am sorry that you feel so reluctant about it. I was about to marvel at Mr Humphries's unbelievable generosity in giving the Opposition a chance to have a say.

Mr Speaker, Mrs Carnell started her speech desperately trying to say that she has been dealt a cruel blow by her friend Mr Howard and that, in spite of her many visits to the House on the hill, she has been stabbed in the back. But, interestingly, Mr Speaker, you only have to prod a little bit to get Mrs Carnell to start defending Mr Howard.

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