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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1998 Week 7 Hansard (23 September) . . Page.. 2130 ..

MR BERRY: This is just a distraction.

MR SPEAKER: No. Seriously, this is an important point. I would recommend that all members read the freedom of speech resolution of 4 May 1995. On a more recent note, you also accused the Minister of lying. The fact is that use of the word "lie" is unparliamentary in this chamber, and I ask you to withdraw it.

Mr Moore: Except that it is a substantive motion at this point. Mr Speaker, on the point of order - - -

MR SPEAKER: You mentioned the word "lie" and I want you to withdraw it.

MR BERRY: Well, I wish we would get the rules straight here. Pass them backwards and forwards - - -

MR SPEAKER: No, there is no question of getting the rules straight.

MR BERRY: Misled, lied, I do not care. I will withdraw "lie".

Mr Moore: Speaking to the point of order, Mr Speaker: On 13 May 1997 you also made a statement as Speaker on the issue of an attack on a public servant. You drew attention to the same things that I am pointing out. I would suggest that Mr Berry read page 1271 of Hansard of 13 May 1997 before he continues with this unparliamentary practice. Otherwise you need to boot him, Mr Speaker.

MR SPEAKER: Mr Berry, the word "lie" has been withdrawn on so many occasions in this Assembly.

MR BERRY: Okay. I will withdraw it.

MR SPEAKER: Thank you.

MR BERRY: Mislead one, mislead two; that will do us. Mr Speaker, it was the Government that introduced a public servant into this debate by tabling a letter signed by a public servant, Mr Thurston, who was defending his Minister. I said Mr Thurston was wrong, and I said, "So what" when a public servant - - -

Mr Moore: I take a point of order, Mr Speaker. He is just reiterating what he is trying to do. He is continuing the attack. He ought to be warned, Mr Speaker.

Mr Humphries: You are implying that Guy Thurston is lying for his Minister. That is what you are implying.

MR SPEAKER: Look, Mr Berry; please stop attacking public servants. Stop attacking them by name.

MR BERRY: Mr Speaker, I am not - - -

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