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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 9 Hansard (4 September) . . Page.. 2982 ..

MR MOORE (continuing):

I would stand aside, because I would consider that under such circumstances I would have a conflict of interest. If there were a Michael Moore club to get me re-elected and to keep me supported in this Assembly, I would have a conflict of interest. It amazes me that people in the same situation as I would be in if there were a Michael Moore club do not recognise a similar conflict of interest.

A conflict of interest is what this question is about. I have a great deal of respect for my colleague Paul Osborne, who has stood aside from votes on such issues again and again.

Mr Berry: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I think Mr Moore is blatantly breaching standing orders. I cannot recall the number of the standing order, but it concerns the issue of conflict of interest. Conflict of interest is decided by the Assembly, not by accusations across the floor. If Mr Moore wants to move a motion that members have a conflict of interest, he should do so.

MR SPEAKER: There is no point of order. There is nothing in standing orders that talks about this.

MR MOORE: I was talking about my having a conflict of interest. I take the point that Mr Berry is raising about such matters being decided by the Assembly. I am saying that, from my perspective, if I were - - -

Mr Berry: Mr Speaker, I draw your attention to standing order 156. I knew my memory served me correctly. I just could not think of the number before.

MR SPEAKER: I have standing order 156 here. It states:

A Member who is a party to, or has a direct or indirect interest in, a contract made by or on behalf of the Territory or a Territory authority shall not take part in a discussion of a matter, or vote ...

It seems to me that what we are discussing here is the Gaming Machine (Amendment) Bill.

Mr Berry: Mr Speaker, the point I am raising is that Mr Moore is making accusations about a conflict of interest.

MR MOORE: I am talking about myself.

MR SPEAKER: Mr Moore is making statements about a conflict of interest.

Mr Berry: Mr Speaker, if he makes accusations about anybody else in this place, I would ask that you draw his attention to that standing order and ask him whether, if he is so committed to the cause, he would like to move a motion in that respect.

MR MOORE: Mr Speaker, I understand standing order 156. But, if I were getting large sums of money from my club to help my election campaign, then I would consider that morally I had a conflict of interest. That probably would not be inconsistent with standing order 156. I do not care. I am saying that, from the community perspective, I would have a terrible conflict of interest.

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