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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1999 Week 11 Hansard (21 October) . . Page.. 3435 ..

MR OSBORNE (continuing):

I make no apologies for believing what I do on abortion. I have never hidden from that fact. Unfortunately, in a democracy people have different views. I believe that what I attempted to do and what other members attempted to do is going to save some lives. Yet when I tabled the Bill last year the vilification from some members in this place, from their cronies and from certain sections of the media was not easy. Yet on an issue such as safe injecting rooms, when Mr Moore says that he is attempting to save lives, he is painted by some people as a hero. The hypocrisy from certain sections makes me wonder.

Mr Speaker, it has been difficult for all of us on this issue. I am pleased that it is coming to an end. There have been some personal shots. I feel that I need to make an apology to Mr Stanhope. Last time we debated this in August or September, I did have a shot at Mr Stanhope, which is something that I have regretted. It was not a big thing but, to his credit, he has never made a personal shot at me. It was not a vicious one but it was one that I personally have not been comfortable with, so I would just like to apologise to him on that issue.

This Assembly, in the last six to 12 months, has gone down a couple of levels in relation to personal attacks. I think that many people here, Government and Opposition, have stepped over the mark. That is regrettable. I look back at some of the things said about Mrs Carnell in relation to Bruce Stadium and some of the things that have gone on in relation to abortion. The motion last week directed solely at Mr Stanhope in relation to the committee on contracts was just a cheap shot. I see Mr Berry grinning. Unfortunately, on this issue he has no conscience about personal attacks, but I am speaking perhaps for the rest of us. I think we do need to have a serious think about how far we push it. I will be voting against this motion. We have had this debate before and, as I said, I think all members should worry about themselves on this issue.

Debate (on motion by Mr Corbell ) adjourned.

MS TUCKER (11.53): I move:

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