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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1998 Week 5 Hansard (26 August) . . Page.. 1404 ..

MR CORBELL (continuing):

everything possible to oppose this cut to the institute. I have heard what Mr Rugendyke said about his position on the budget. I am not aware of what he has told representatives of the institute in private meetings, but I think it would be fair to say that for the majority of people who were not privy to those meetings there would be some sort of feeling that maybe he is opposed to this cut and will be voting against it. He has been not only to that event at the School of Music but to a number of other events, including, most recently, a demonstration outside this place only a few days ago where again he indicated his support.

Mr Speaker, at the beginning of my speech I talked about good faith and opportunities not yet lost. Mr Rugendyke has indicated to this place that he is acting in good faith, he believes, in his commitment to the Government not to oppose the budget. I want to highlight that and also the opportunity not yet lost, which is his ability to influence and change the decision of this Government. He is a crossbencher. It is his vote that retains the Chief Minister and the Ministers in government. He has considerable power if he chooses to exercise it on this matter. I would urge Mr Rugendyke to consider this proposition I am about to put to him. He has the opportunity to say to the Government, "I will support your budget overall. When it comes to the final vote on the Appropriation Bill as a whole, I will support it, but I will not support the division within the budget which relates to the cut to the Institute of the Arts". That option is available, and that is not, I put to you Mr Rugendyke, through you, Mr Speaker, a vote of no confidence in this budget. It is a clear indication that you are not prepared to accept a cut to the Institute of the Arts.

Ms Carnell: But then it would have to come from somewhere else, wouldn't it? Where do we get it from?

MR CORBELL: It is a clear indication that the Government must reconsider and reverse that cut.

Ms Carnell: And get it from somewhere else. If you don't change the bottom line, it has to come from somewhere else.

MR CORBELL: Mr Speaker, I heard the Chief Minister in silence and I would be grateful if she would do me the same courtesy.

MR SPEAKER: Yes. Order!

Ms Carnell: It was rubbish. You spoke the whole way through.

MR SPEAKER: Please continue, Mr Corbell.

MR CORBELL: You are a very rude person sometimes, Chief Minister.

Mr Speaker, this is an option that is available to Mr Rugendyke and I would urge him to consider it. I would urge him to talk with the clerks of this place if he has any doubts about procedure, process and precedent. That option is available to him and to the other members of the crossbenches. It is an opportunity for him to keep the good faith he has made in relation to his commitment to the Government, but also to keep the good faith

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