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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 6 Hansard (17 June) . . Page.. 1665 ..

MR WHITECROSS: Mr Speaker, I am the leader of the Labor Party. It is not my job to ensure that Mr Kaine does not take offence. If I disagree with Mr Kaine's policies, he is welcome to take offence. I have not heard any cogent argument as to why the remarks I made are in breach of the standing orders.

Mr Kaine: It is a lie; that is why. I have asked you to withdraw it. I have asked to have it withdrawn.

MR WHITECROSS: Mr Speaker, you should be dealing with him.

Mr Corbell: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. Mr Kaine has referred to Mr Whitecross as a liar. That is highly disorderly, and I would ask him to withdraw.

Mr Kaine: Mr Speaker, I am merely stating a fact. I am telling you that what Mr Whitecross just said was untrue and I want it withdrawn. If he is going to persist in telling lies, I will accuse him of doing so.

MR SPEAKER: Mr Whitecross, if you withdraw that, Mr Kaine - - -

Mr Berry: Mr Speaker, Mr Kaine, in complete and arrogant disregard for the standing orders, again implied that Mr Whitecross was lying. He said, "If he continues lying ..." or words to that effect. That is a clear imputation, Mr Speaker, and I would ask that you order that he withdraw it forthwith.

MR SPEAKER: Mr Kaine has also taken offence. We are beginning to behave in a very childish fashion in this place at the moment.

Mr Berry: If Mr Kaine has a point of order, it should be considered in the context of standing orders.

MR SPEAKER: I would suggest that both gentlemen withdraw so that we can get on with the business of representing the Territory.

MR WHITECROSS: Mr Speaker, so far you have failed to explain under what standing order you are asking me to withdraw.

MR SPEAKER: Standing order 55 states:

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

Can I have a little bit of commonsense in this place? There are imputations being made - - -

MR WHITECROSS: No, there have not been.

MR SPEAKER: Mr Kaine believes so and now you believe so.

Mr Berry: No; I believe so, Mr Speaker. I raised that point.

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