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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1998 Week 1 Hansard (29 April) . . Page.. 200 ..

MR BERRY (continuing):

Both Mr Stefaniak and Mr Hird mentioned the night sittings which have occurred when they were not regularly programmed. Who would know they are on if they are not regularly programmed? Of course, people will not come when the doors are shut. There is not much point; they cannot get in. This is about telling the community that there is an opportunity for them to come and have a look at their politicians at work. It is an issue of principle. It is not something that interests the Liberals at this point and neither has it in the past. When these things are programmed, I am sure - and I am absolutely confident - that there will be a continuous smattering of people coming to look at what goes on in the Assembly.

Mr Stefaniak says, "If there is an issue on, they will come anyway". They will not come if their boss says, "You are going to get the bullet if you leave work". They will not come if they are at home looking after their family and they cannot leave them by themselves. They will not come unless the opportunity presents itself. It is a complete fallacy for you to say that people who are just not able to get away from whatever their duties are during the day will come here if there is a particular issue on. It just provides better access. The Labor Party has a view about access and it is a strong one. There ought to be access to the Assembly. It is an issue of principle. The rest of the Assembly does not agree with us. Well, we will walk away still proud of our principle, but in the knowledge that the rest of the Assembly is not particularly interested in forming a closer interface with the community.

Question put:

That the motion (Mr Berry's) be agreed to.

The Assembly voted -

AYES, 6	 	NOES, 11

Mr Berry	Ms Carnell
Mr Corbell	Mr Cornwell
Mr Hargreaves	Mr Hird
Mr Quinlan	Mr Humphries
Mr Stanhope	Mr Kaine
Mr Wood		Mr Moore
		Mr Osborne
		Mr Rugendyke
		Mr Smyth
		Mr Stefaniak
		Ms Tucker

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