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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2003 Week 3 Hansard (13 March) . . Page.. 1004 ..
MS TUCKER
(continuing):I think she has the support of everyone in this place for the intent of her motion and that everyone here agrees that it is fine to breastfeed an infant in the chamber. Maybe I am wrong; maybe some people do not like it.
Mrs Cross
: Yes. I do not think everyone does, Kerrie.MS TUCKER
: Mrs Cross said some people do not agree with that. Okay, well those people can speak; those people can say that. But I would say that the majority of people in this Assembly agree that it is appropriate for an infant to be breastfed by its mother if it is the workplace. We have laws in the country which say it would be discriminatory not to do that. I do not think there is any doubt that this will get up in the Legislative Assembly.This discussion is about whether or not we take the time. And Mrs Cross-all credit to you for raising this in the Assembly. It is great that we would be the first parliament to do it. It's fine; that's good. But we are just saying we want the time to look at the wording exactly. As I said, in the brief time I have had to talk to people, the Australian Breastfeeding Association has said that the six months issue may need looking at-maybe it doesn't.
It is a perfectly reasonable and sensible for us today to refer it to the Administration and Procedure Committee. It would not have to take a long time. You could invite the Australian Breastfeeding Association representatives here to address the Administration and Procedure Committee. They have told me they would be happy to do that, so we have the opportunity to have that discussion.
I seek leave to move the amendment because I think it will probably cut across the anticipated debate rule, but as an Assembly we can decide to do that.
Mrs Cross
: Point of order, Mr Speaker. Under standing orders 59 and 130, this amendment cannot be put through. I will read it out:A Member may not anticipate the discussion of any subject which appears on the Notice Paper: Provided that in determining whether a discussion is out of order on the ground of anticipation-
Mr Cornwell
: Point of order.MR SPEAKER
: Mr Cornwell, just wait until Mrs Cross finishes with her point.Mrs Cross
: It continues:regard shall be had by the Speaker to the probability of the matter anticipated being brought before the Assembly within a reasonable time.
Mr Cornwell
: You love getting your own way, don't you?Mrs Cross
: I am reading the standing orders.Mr Cornwell
: I am sorry, but Ms Tucker was speaking.
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