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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1998 Week 9 Hansard (17 November) . . Page.. 2571 ..

Mr Corbell: How can it be hypothetical when Kate Carnell has signed up to it?

MR MOORE: The hypothetical bit, Mr Corbell - through you, Mr Speaker - is about what might happen in the future. That is what "hypothetical" means. It seems to me, Mr Speaker, that we have an opportunity in front of us now where we can - - -

Mr Berry: There endeth the lesson, Simon.

MR MOORE: I know that this upsets Mr Berry, for some reason. I think the part that upsets him most of all is that somebody who is not a Labor Party member might actually be interested in improving the conditions of workers. I am sorry, Mr Berry, as I know that this is really hard for you to take, but some of us are actually interested in getting better outcomes for workers if we possibly can. That is what it is about, Mr Speaker. If, indeed, there is a way for us to improve the conditions for the 3,000-odd workers at the Canberra Hospital, then that is what we will do. Mr Speaker, this also gives us the opportunity to guarantee job security for them, because we have the opportunity in looking at an enterprise bargaining situation of finding a way to increase the money in their pocket and also increase - and, therefore, take away the threat of having to reduce - the number of workers; in other words, maintain job security. Mr Berry, this is about ensuring that we can look after the workers. I hope, Mr Berry, that I will get your support for looking after the workers. That is what I would expect.

Ms Carnell: I ask that all further questions be placed on the notice paper.

MR SPEAKER: Before I move to the presentation of papers, I would like to make a statement relating to relevancy in debate. During debate on a censure motion on 28 October 1998, I gave a ruling on a point of order raised by Mr Humphries concerning the issue of relevance. I ruled that Mr Corbell's remarks should be relevant, which then led Mr Corbell to query my ruling, given an earlier ruling I made during a motion of censure of the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister.

I have since examined the Hansard of both rulings that I made and agree that, whilst on one occasion a member was allowed to develop an argument to show a relevant connection to the motion before the Assembly, on another occasion a member did not receive that opportunity. I emphasise that it is often difficult for the Chair to ascertain whether a member's remarks are relevant, particularly if there is a gap of several sitting days or weeks. However, to assist me in this task, I have asked for the finalisation of a compilation of Speaker's rulings being prepared by the Secretariat. This compilation will also assist other occupants of the Chair as well as members of the Assembly.

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