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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1998 Week 8 Hansard (29 October) . . Page.. 2447 ..

MR BERRY (continuing):

Mr Speaker, where you sit is where you stand, and Mr Moore has demonstrated that he is quite comfortable with the conservative agenda of the Liberals opposite. I have always said that Mr Moore is of a conservative nature, and he will now protect the conservatives from open scrutiny in relation to this matter. At the basis of conservatism is a conservative economic policy, and obviously Mr Moore is comfortable with the economics of the conservatives opposite. But that in the end, of course, finds its way into social policy, and Mr Moore should keep that in mind. I am extremely disappointed that Mr Moore would for so long trumpet his support for the important committee system in the ACT Legislative Assembly and then abandon it so quickly. But, as I said, where you sit is where you stand.

Mr Speaker, I am also a little concerned, too, that Mr Osborne has taken the stand that he has. He went on to say in this newspaper article:

If there was ever any doubt left that he is a Liberal then take a good look at the blue streak running down his back on this issue.

I say to you, Mr Osborne, that if I look at your performance in relation to this debate it is always hard to see where the streak is that is running down the middle of your back.

Mr Osborne: The problem with you, Mr Berry, is that if we do not vote with you on everything we are not with you. You want people to vote with you on every single issue.

MR BERRY: Mr Speaker, what I say to Mr Osborne is that he should take the opportunity - - -

Mr Osborne: You never acknowledge when we vote with you.

MR BERRY: You should take the opportunity to better inform yourself in relation to one of the most significant issues which are going to affect the people of this Territory. Covering up for the conservatives opposite is not going to help the future of the ACT. Preventing access to information and preventing community protest about this issue might make life easier for you, Mr Osborne, but it is not going to help the future of the ACT. I believe and stand by Mr Moore's former view, that the committee system in the ACT Legislative Assembly is important. It is no more important than it is now in respect of this issue.

MR TEMPORARY DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Hird): I understand, Mr Kaine, that you wish to add to your amendment, by leave. Is that right?

MR KAINE: Yes, thank you, Mr Temporary Deputy Speaker. Before this matter is voted on, I seek leave to add a further amendment to those already submitted.

Leave granted.

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