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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1999 Week 1 Hansard (16 February) . . Page.. 132 ..

Mr Kaine: My question was to the Chief Minister, not to Mr Moore. Mr Speaker, I insist. My question is about Carnell Government policy, not about what Mr Moore might have to say. I insist that the question be answered by the Chief Minister, not by Mr Moore. I take it, Mr Speaker, that the Chief Minister is copping out on answering that question about Liberal Party policy.

MR SPEAKER: That I do not know. However, I do know that the Chief Minister may pass a question. Any Minister may pass a question to another Minister.

Ms Carnell: Mr Speaker, the question is within the realms of responsibility of the Minister for Health.

Mr Kaine: No, it is not. I take a point of order, Mr Speaker. I was asking about Liberal Party policy. Is Mr Moore now speaking for the Liberal Party? I want this on the record. Is he interpreting Liberal Party policy now?

MR SPEAKER: Order! The question related also to the Government's policy. Mr Moore naturally will not be mentioning any party policy, but the Chief Minister has asked him to answer the question.

MR MOORE: Mr Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to answer this question. I will clarify in the beginning, Mr Kaine. I actually have no idea what the Liberal Party policy on this matter is, nor do I care.

Mr Kaine: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I suggest that the Minister refer the question back to the Chief Minister, to whom I directed it. If he cannot answer the question, he should not be on his feet.

MR MOORE: I can answer the question.

Mr Berry: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I would just like to reflect on the standing orders.

MR SPEAKER: I hope you do not, but go on.

Mr Berry: They state:

Questions may be put to a Minister relating to public affairs with which that Minister is officially connected, to proceedings pending in the Assembly or to any matter of administration for which that Minister is responsible.

I do not think even Mr Moore would claim that he has any responsibility for the policies which the Government has committed itself to in the scheme of things, and the question is quite properly directed to the Chief Minister. If she refuses to answer it, she is merely shirking her responsibility.

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