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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 1 Hansard (20 February) . . Page.. 278 ..

Mr Berry: So you are saying that what the Government is doing is improper?

MR SPEAKER: No; I am saying that the allegation that an unnamed Minister has threatened a community organisation is improper and should be withdrawn - unless you are willing to name the Minister concerned, in which case we will then have to make it a substantive motion.

Mr Berry: Just leave it; just withdraw.

Mr Humphries: Come on; put up or shut up. That is the simple answer.

MR SPEAKER: That is rather succinctly expressed, yes.

Mr Berry: She does not have to put up.

MS REILLY: There are obviously grave sensitivities.

MR SPEAKER: Order! Standing order 55 states:

All imputations of improper motives and all personal reflections on Members shall be considered highly disorderly.

Standing order 56 states:

When any offensive or disorderly words are used, whether by a Member who is addressing the Chair or by a Member who is present, the Speaker shall intervene.

I am intervening, and I am asking you to withdraw or identify.

Mr Berry: Mr Speaker, that is an outrageous ruling. "Withdraw or identify" is certainly not an option open to you. Either rule out what Ms Reilly said or accept that it is in order. You either rule it out or rule it in.

MR SPEAKER: I am not accepting it as in order.

Mr Berry: Rule it out, then.

MR SPEAKER: Very well. I will rule it out of order and I will ask you to withdraw it.

MS REILLY: I withdraw.

MR SPEAKER: Thank you.

MS REILLY: Can I continue?

MR SPEAKER: Continue.

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