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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2000 Week 3 Hansard (9 March) . . Page.. 819 ..

Mr Corbell: I rise on a point of order, Mr Temporary Deputy Speaker. I think the use of the term "loony" is highly offensive. Outside this place it would probably be actionable. I suggest to Mr Rugendyke that he withdraw it. Mr Humphries should also withdraw the imputation he just made.

MR TEMPORARY DEPUTY SPEAKER: I did not hear Mr Rugendyke.

Mr Corbell: He used the term "loony left", Mr Temporary Deputy Speaker. Quite frankly, it has become a term of abuse far too often used in a way which is quite improper. I certainly take it as an imputation against me, and Mr Rugendyke should withdraw it. So should Mr Humphries, for his endorsement of the term also.

Mr Humphries: On the point of order, Mr Temporary Deputy Speaker: If it were applied to an individual member, it may, in the remotest stretches of your mind, be possibly offensive. But "loony left" describes a philosophy or ideology. It is like a phrase used by members on that side of the chamber - "the mad right", which I have heard before. That is not offensive and it should be allowed.

Mr Hargreaves: I rise on a point of order, Mr Temporary Deputy Speaker. First, I find the term "loony left" offensive and I ask Mr Rugendyke to withdraw it. Secondly, I find the term "mad right" offensive because I do not want to be put in the same bucket of garbage as that lot over there, and I ask them to withdraw it.

MR TEMPORARY DEPUTY SPEAKER: Mr Hargreaves, resume your seat. There is no point of order. I remind members that Mr Berry has the call and you are cutting into his second extension.

MR BERRY: Thank you, Mr Speaker. From the lot over there, a description of "loony left" can be worn as a badge of honour.

Mr Moore: So you disagree with Simon's point of order.

MR TEMPORARY DEPUTY SPEAKER: Mr Moore! Mr Berry, you have the call.

MR BERRY: If you would stop interrupting me it would be handy, Mr Temporary Deputy Speaker.

MR TEMPORARY DEPUTY SPEAKER: It is unusual for you to be interrupted by anyone else, I know.

MR BERRY: We can do without the lecture. We saw the Treasurer today in this place say that the equalisation sweetener, as it was alleged to be, was $100m last week - it is now "if any". This is "if any" day. Did you hear that one? It was $100m; it is now "if any". What did they tell you, Dave? What did they tell you - "$100m" or "if any"?

Mr Hargreaves: Have you got a commitment, Dave?

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