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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2000 Week 3 Hansard (9 March) . . Page.. 903 ..

MR HIRD (continuing):

I would also like to join with my colleagues in congratulating the Chief Minister. In the party room this morning - and normally we do not talk about what happens in the party room, but on this occasion I will break the silence -a motion was passed unanimously on the voices to support the Chief Minister, who has led not only us but also this Territory out of the doldrums in which it was placed by the previous Government. We are moving forward. We are stronger and better than before. Under her guidance we have been able to create jobs and opportunities, and make this Territory the great place it is as we move through to the year of centenary. This year is just one step towards a better future not only for this generation but for the next generation here in the ACT and the region. Well done, Kate Carnell.

MR SMYTH (Minister for Urban Services) (11.02): I want to bring to the attention of the house perhaps the lowest act that I have heard conducted in this place in the last two years by a man who I believe is a coward. If Mr Berry wants to make that sort of statement, he should step outside this place and say it. It is beneath contempt that he would use the adjournment, the least known part of the proceedings, to attack the Chief Minister in that manner.

The Chief Minister, Kate Carnell, over the last five years in this place has moved the Territory out of the ruinous state that it was in. The previous Government, of which Mr Berry was part, racked up incredible debt and high unemployment and left the place in a shambles. The Chief Minister now has unemployment down to 5.3 per cent. We have a balanced budget and we have the best prospects in this country. What he has done is appalling. The man is simply a coward.

MR SPEAKER: Mr Smyth, I must admit it came very close to breaching standing order 54. Standing order 55, however, states:

Unfortunately, it does not state anything more than that. As I said before, and I repeat it, I think the record will show Mr Berry's comments for what they were, and he will be judged accordingly by all fair-minded people.

MR SMYTH: Thank you for your guidance, Mr Speaker.

MR STEFANIAK (Minister for Education): Mr Speaker, I seek leave to add a few comments to that.

Leave granted.

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