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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2001 Week 3 Hansard (7 March) . . Page.. 763 ..

MR SPEAKER: Mr Minister was referring, as I understand it, to an amendment that was to be put forward or was put forward by the Labor Party.

MR STEFANIAK: That is right.

MR SPEAKER: We are not talking about a decision of the Assembly in this matter. I have not heard the minister say that the Assembly was wrong.

Mr Corbell: No, that is not what he said. On your ruling, Mr Speaker: the minister's words were "the proposal was defeated". Defeated by whom, Mr Speaker? The Assembly. He is reflecting on a vote of the Assembly.

Mr Hird: Defeated in caucus.

Mr Smyth: Yes, I think he meant defeated in caucus.

MR SPEAKER: You mean the Labor Party motion was defeated by the Assembly?

Mr Stanhope: How many members did you not tell? Bloody hypocrisy.

MR SPEAKER: There is no point of order, but I will watch it very carefully. I appreciate your concern Mr Corbell, and the worry.

MR STEFANIAK: Mr Speaker, I can understand why they are so touchy about this issue. Apart from the fact that this amendment was not proceeded with at what someone said was the 11th hour, but it was more likely 11.59, it is no wonder they are touchy.

Mr Berry: Mr Speaker, he is reflecting on the vote of the Assembly. Splitting hairs about-

MR SPEAKER: I do not think we are splitting hairs here. Just a moment. If, as I understand he is, the minister is referring to an amendment by the Labor Party that was moved or was not moved-I am not sure what the situation is-that is hardly a reflection on a vote of the Assembly.

MR STEFANIAK: No.

Mr Stanhope: The same amendment was moved by Mr Stefaniak and defeated.

Mr Kaine: Mr Speaker, could I take a point of order? Could I ask for your ruling under standing order 118 (b) in terms of the distance the minister has travelled already?

Mr Humphries: Which is?

MR SPEAKER: Well, there might be an exchange going on across the chamber, but I do not see it as a debate.

Mr Kaine: Is the minister debating the question or is he not, Mr Speaker? I submit that he is. He is not answering a question.

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