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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2002 Week 4 Hansard (9 April) . . Page.. 800 ..

MS DUNDAS (continuing):

Neil has certainly provided inspiration for many in the arts community, and that has also been evidenced by the number of people who have risen today to add their condolences to his passing. He was definitely an inspiration to many in the arts community and many Canberrans. It is a tragic loss. As I said, I support what Kerrie said about the many recent unfortunate tragic losses throughout the arts community. It is sad but unfortunately it is part of life. I hope that the arts community can draw strength from each other to move on from these tragic times.

Question resolved in the affirmative, members standing in their places.

Petition

The following petition was lodged for presentation, by Mr Stefaniak, from 200 residents.

Abortion legislation

To the Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly for the Australian Capital Territory.

The petition of certain residents of the Australian Capital territory draws to the attention of the Assembly that:

  • the Heath Regulation (Maternal Health Information) Repeal Bill 2001 removes valuable statutory protection from women who are considering termination of pregnancy and those who have conscientious objection to participating in abortion procedures, and

  • the Crimes (Abolition of Offence of Abortion) Bill 2001 removes all legal protection from the unborn child before birth.

Passage of these Bills would be contrary to:

  • the fundamental role of government, which is to protect the lives and promote the well-being of all members of our community, particularly the most vulnerable; and

  • Australia's international obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Your petitioners therefore request the Assembly to reject these Bills.

The Clerk having announced that the terms of the petition would be recorded in Hansard and a copy referred to the appropriate minister, the petition was received.

Privilege

MR SPEAKER: Members, I propose to make a statement to the Assembly concerning the privileges of the Assembly.

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