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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 8 Hansard (28 August) . . Page.. 2651 ..

Ms Tucker: The first letter was on ACTEW letterhead.

MR HUMPHRIES: Indeed. That, Ms Tucker, is the only piece of evidence which, with respect, suggests a role by ACTEW in this. I am open to be presented with other evidence; but I have made inquiries of ACTEW about this matter, as other members of the Government have, and I can assure members that we have been categorically assured that ACTEW has offered no support, succour or encouragement whatsoever in these proceedings. Dr Sargent, at the time that he wrote to Ms Tucker, was in the final days of his office as chief executive of ACTEW. He indeed wrote the letter on ACTEW letterhead, and perhaps that was indiscreet of him; but I am assured that ACTEW itself, including the board of ACTEW, has played no role whatsoever in the decisions that Dr Sargent has made since that time.

Ms Tucker: I have never said that they did.

Mr Moore: I do.

MR HUMPHRIES: Obviously, members here do not believe that ACTEW is innocent of involvement in this matter. I make one small point: Just as we argue vigorously for members not to be subject to proceedings for defamation in an intimidatory way out in the community, I would also say that it is important for us not to use this place to make defamatory statements, in effect, of a corporate nature against bodies when there is no evidence for that to be the case. I have not seen any evidence that - - -

Debate interrupted.

MR TEMPORARY DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Wood): Order! It being 5 o'clock, I propose the question:

That the Assembly do now adjourn.

Mr Humphries: I require the question to be put forthwith without debate.

Question resolved in the negative.

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