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

Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1996 Week 9 Hansard (29 August) . . Page.. 2825 ..

MR MOORE (4.52): Mr Speaker, I believe that Mr De Domenico did indeed anticipate the discussion of a subject on the notice paper, and it was interesting that Ms Horodny was not here to draw your attention to it. I appreciate the fact that you have raised that in relation to the standing orders; but it is important, I suppose, for all of us to recognise when a member is anticipating a discussion in accordance with standing orders and ensure that we continue to operate under standing orders. I am sure that Mr De Domenico is feeling very contrite about this matter.

MR SPEAKER: I also think that Mr De Domenico was reading largely from a media release put out by Ms Horodny. The question of whether, in reading from a media release, one is, in fact, anticipating discussion is a matter that I would have to consider.

MR HUMPHRIES (Attorney-General) (4.53), in reply: Mr Speaker, I might just contribute briefly to the debate on the standing order by pointing out that the qualification actually says:

Provided that in determining whether a discussion is out of order on the ground of anticipation, regard shall be had by the Speaker to the probability of the matter anticipated being brought before the Assembly within a reasonable time.

The Bill introduced yesterday is unlikely to be debated before the end of next month, at the earliest. So, it is a quite long time.

MR SPEAKER: I would agree, Mr Humphries.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

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