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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2002 Week 11 Hansard (26 September) . . Page.. 3317 ..

MR CORBELL (continuing):

During last week's threatened industrial action, Mr Andrew Whale, a board member and also secretary of the Transport Workers Union, was absent from the meeting until after the board had discussed the issue. The disclosure of Mr Whale's personal interest in that matter was not required, as he was already absent when the issue was discussed.

The chairman has indicated to the board that any matter of conflict will be declared and the affected directors will be excluded from board meetings while the relevant issue is discussed and decided. I can only reiterate that I have full confidence in the ACTION board chairman and the board itself in the handing of these matters.

Papers

Mr Stanhope presented the following papers:

Emergency service system-Proposed upgrade-Answer to question on notice asked of Mr Quinlan (Minister for Emergency Services) by Ms Tucker and taken on notice on 25 September 2002.

Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander Employment in the Public Service-Answer to question without notice asked of Mr Stanhope (Chief Minister).

Annual report-Legislative Assembly

Mr Speaker presented the following paper:

ACT Legislative Assembly Secretariat-Report and financial statements, including the Auditor-General's report.

Assembly-reflection on vote

MR SPEAKER: Members, during questions without notice on Tuesday, the Chief Minister, in an answer to a question from the Leader of the Opposition on the issue of medical indemnity insurance, queried why the Leader of the Opposition did not wish to debate the Civil Law (Wrongs) Bill earlier that day.

The Leader of the Opposition then stated that he thought the Chief Minister was criticising a decision of the Assembly earlier that day and that this was in breach of standing orders. I undertook to examine the Hansard record in relation to the matter.

Standing order 52 provides:

A Member may not reflect upon any vote of the Assembly, except upon a motion that such vote be rescinded.

This standing order is almost identical to House of Representatives standing order 73.

House of Representatives Practice states:

The rule is not interpreted in such a way as to prevent reasonable expression of views on matters of public concern.

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