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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1996 Week 13 Hansard (4 December) . . Page.. 4368 ..

MR OSBORNE (continuing):

are causing some problems for both the businesses concerned and, more importantly, the people of Canberra. I would not have thought that causing some businesses to lose up to six-figure sums a week, driving people out of work, especially the young people, and plunging many families into chaos at this time of year would be best described as a fairly fine, minor or insignificant problem. Mr Speaker, I thank the Labor Party for their support and I thank Mr Moore for his support. It is unfortunate that it has got to this stage; but, once again, I have to condemn both the Greens and the Government and I have to say that, quite frankly, Mr Humphries and Mr De Domenico have misled the Assembly and misled the people of Canberra on this issue.

Mrs Carnell: On a point of order: Mr Speaker - - -

MR SPEAKER: I ask you to withdraw that, Mr Osborne.

Mrs Carnell: I think he should also withdraw any imputation that either Mr De Domenico or Mr Humphries cannot be trusted.

MR SPEAKER: Yes, Mr Osborne. There is an imputation there. It has been asked that it be withdrawn. Please do so.

MR OSBORNE: Mr Speaker, I am prepared to withdraw the word "misled" but I am not prepared to withdraw "mistrust", I am afraid. I cannot withdraw the fact that they cannot be trusted.

Mrs Carnell: You would need to withdraw that with any imputation that Mr Humphries or Mr De Domenico cannot be trusted.

MR OSBORNE: Mr Speaker, on this issue, I stand by that. I do not think that Mr Humphries or Mr De Domenico can be trusted on this issue. I will not withdraw it.

MR SPEAKER: Mr Osborne, you have been asked to withdraw it. I would be very reluctant to take action.

Ms McRae: On a point of order, Mr Speaker: You have not actually ruled on it. You have been given advice on that by the Government. I would suggest that you either give us a reason for the withdrawal or actually ask him to withdraw before you go ahead.

MR SPEAKER: I asked Mr Osborne whether he would withdraw. I would be very reluctant, Mr Osborne, to take action on this. This is an important issue. The suggestion that Mr Humphries and Mr De Domenico are not telling the truth is something that cannot be substantiated, really.

MR OSBORNE: Mr Speaker, I have tried to explain why I have chosen the path of legislation rather than regulation. I said that I did not feel that Mr De Domenico or Mr Humphries could be trusted on regulating over the Christmas break. That is what I stand by on this issue. I will not withdraw that. So, it is up to you.

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