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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2000 Week 1 Hansard (17 February) . . Page.. 261 ..

MR SMYTH: Mr Speaker, I have made three attempts to answer this question. They are on their feet before they have even heard the answer. If you are not interested in the answer, that is fine. I will stand and talk anyway. If they choose not to listen, that is their problem. I am able to comment on what Mr Corbell said in his entire press release. I am aware of the functions of the commissioner and what he does, and I am aware of the Land Act and how it operates. Mr Corbell, in flying this kite - - -

Mr Corbell: That is a relief.

Mr Berry: Waffle, waffle.

Mr Corbell: You are getting warm.

MR SPEAKER: Order! Sit down, please. Next question. No, I am sorry; I told you that I would not tolerate constant interjections.

Mr Corbell: I am sorry, Mr Speaker. Under what standing order, under what authority, are you making such a ruling?

MR SPEAKER: The Speaker may direct - - -

Mr Humphries: He has a power to exercise that. There is a standing order that allows that to happen. To exercise control over the house.

MR SPEAKER: Yes, that is right. Just a moment; I will find it for you.

Ms Carnell: To exercise control over the house.

Mr Corbell: You are struggling, Mr Speaker.

Mr Humphries: That is right. He is well aware that he has that power, and you know he has, Simon.

MR SPEAKER: You may like to look at the end of standing order 118. It says this:

The member had more than sufficient opportunity to answer the question. It was just that he could not do it because of the constant interjection.

Mr Corbell: Mr Speaker, on your ruling, I can ask my supplementary question.

MR SPEAKER: You may ask your supplementary question, yes, and the same thing will happen, gentlemen, if we have constant interjections.

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