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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1998 Week 10 Hansard (25 November) . . Page.. 2937 ..

Mr Moore: It was difficult to get the numbers right, was it?

Ms Carnell: So you put everybody on except us.

MR SPEAKER: Order! Mr Berry, you have the floor.

MR BERRY: I have plenty of time. Let them go.

Mr Speaker, of course, nobody has complained about this composition. I raised it with Mr Moore. He has not complained about the composition, although he did tell me earlier that he would not be supporting this committee. Now that I have informed him of his position, which he stated on the radio this morning, I rather suspect that he has spun around. He might have forgotten that. I have taken it up with the Greens and I have informed Mr Kaine, given his comments in relation to the matter this morning. So, on the basis of all the information I have on it, I think there is a good case for this committee of inquiry going ahead.

We need to listen to people like the Discrimination Commissioner in detail about her position. We might even get the opportunity to listen to Mr Richard Refshauge in relation to this matter, because we would be better informed as a result of that. We would be better informed if we were to receive some advice from the professional organisations which represent the various colleges of doctors who deal with this matter. We would be better informed once we had heard from the professional organisations and unions which represent all of the professional groupings within health. I think that would be a wise course, and that is why I have proposed it. We would be able to listen to eminent lawyers, medical professionals and other professionals who might have an interest in the matter.

We would not be restricted to the sort of rhetoric that we have heard in relation to the advice which is being encapsulated in the legislation and the subsequent amendments. We would be able to have a wide-ranging view about the matter.

I think Mrs Carnell was complaining that the Government was not included on the committee. If you have a better idea, I will take up the advice of my wise and experienced friend Mr Kaine and say to you, "Well, where are your amendments?". Mr Kaine might ask you to produce a few amendments. Even though he could not convince me to use his formula, he might be able to convince you.

Ms Carnell: We are happy to go ahead with the Bill.

MR BERRY: You are going to support this committee, are you?

Ms Carnell: No. I said that we are happy to go ahead with the Bill.

MR BERRY: You can put yourself up on this committee. Put up an amendment. If you complain bitterly that you want to be on it, I am sure that we can accommodate you. It is a bit of a hollow complaint. Mr Speaker, this is an opportunity for people to demonstrate how serious they are about dealing with legislation in this place and how they want to consider all of the issues - the effects of the criminal legislation; the effects of the

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