Hansard - ACT Legislative Assembly

Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2001 Week 9 Hansard (21 August) . . Page.. 3052 ..

MR SPEAKER: Come on, Mr Berry! We have a great deal of work to do here over the next six sitting days.

Mr Berry: I do not want to say anything more that might lead Mr Humphries to think that his character has been impugned.

MR SPEAKER: Then just withdraw and let us get on with the business. We are acting like children.

Mr Berry: I've got nothing to withdraw.

MR HUMPHRIES: Mr Speaker, I have to insist on a withdrawal.

Mr Berry: Tell me what you want me to withdraw.

MR HUMPHRIES: The allegation has been quite clear, and I ask that it be withdrawn.

MR SPEAKER: Would you mind withdrawing. Look, you said it yourself just now.

Mr Berry: What?

MR SPEAKER: That you had been cleared by two inquiries.

Mr Berry: That's true.

MR SPEAKER: Which was more than the Chief Minister had.

Mr Berry: That's right.

MR SPEAKER: There is an implication there. If you did not mean it, withdraw it.

Mr Berry: No, they are both statements of fact. Mr Speaker, what can I do? They are statements of fact.

MR SPEAKER: Withdraw, and we can get on with the business before the house.

Mr Berry: Withdraw what?

MR SPEAKER: The implication that the Chief Minister objects to.

Mr Berry: Mr Speaker, if Mr Humphries thinks that he has been impugned, I am happy to withdraw it.

MR SPEAKER: Thank you.