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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1996 Week 11 Hansard (26 September) . . Page.. 3462 ..

Mr Kaine: On that point of order, Mr Speaker: My question had to do with whether Mr Whitecross was guilty of the smoke and mirrors. I think that the Minister's answer is demonstrating that he is. That is what you do not like about it.

MR SPEAKER: I have no idea how Mr De Domenico will respond to - - -

Ms McRae: You should. He could just say yes.

MR SPEAKER: Just a moment. I have no idea how Mr De Domenico will respond to Mr Berry's question of yesterday which he has taken on notice, but he is answering Mr Kaine's question at the moment.

Ms Follett: Mr Speaker, on a point of order: Are you therefore ruling that if we ask a question and it is taken on notice we can ask the same question the following day?

MR SPEAKER: No, I am not.

Ms Follett: Mr Speaker, you must not treat us like fools. We can understand when a question is the same as the one asked yesterday, even if you cannot.

MR SPEAKER: There are times when I would treat the Assembly as a great many things, but never as fools. The fact is that, as far as I am concerned, this is a different question that has been asked by Mr Kaine. The time is ticking away, members.

Mr Berry: Mr Speaker, on that point of order: Mr Kaine asked whether there was any substance in the allegations. No allegation was made. A number of questions were raised which Mr De Domenico - - -

MR SPEAKER: Any substance in the questions, I think you will find, Mr Berry, not allegations. If I suggested that they were allegations, I apologise.

Mr Moore: On that point of order, Mr Speaker: Standing order 117(c)(i) would have it that that is an expression of opinion if he is asking whether there was any substance in it. It should be ruled out of order on that basis and we should get on with a proper question time.

MR SPEAKER: I do not see that a question about whether there was any substance to questions - - -

Mr Berry: We might lead you to a different conclusion, Mr Speaker.

MR SPEAKER: I do not regard that as an expression of opinion at all, Mr Moore. There is no point of order. We can keep this up until 3 o'clock, I might add.

Mr Kaine: On Mr Berry's point of order: He said that I referred to allegations. I did not. I did not use the word "allegations" at all. I can read my question again in full if he wishes.

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