Page 2527 - Week 08 - Thursday, 30 August 2007
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DR FOSKEY (Molonglo) (10.23): I find outrageous this government’s attempt to truncate this debate. I am quite prepared to stay here as long as it takes to conclude this debate, as most of us have already organised this into our schedules. Apart from anything else, it does not look very good for this government, especially the minister who is responsible for the next output, to be suggesting that we cease before we have dealt with it.
I realise that a majority government can do that sort of thing, but it is something that this government should be ashamed of. I oppose this motion. I was disappointed about the fact that people could hardly contain their boredom. Debates such as this are not easy, they are not interesting and no-one likes being criticised, but that is our job and that is our role. Let us be big about this and let us hear the debate.
MR CORBELL (Molonglo—Attorney-General, Minister for Police and Emergency Services) (10.24): Let me just put a few things to rest. We have been debating this budget now for over 15 hours. In the face of that number, any suggestion by those opposite that there has been insufficient scrutiny of this bill is absurd. We have been debating this budget for over 15 hours, on top of the weeks of examination in estimates, and on top of the other examinations that have occurred.
Mrs Burke: You are a disgrace!
MR SPEAKER: Order, Mrs Burke!
MR CORBELL: Do not give me this “no scrutiny” rubbish.
MR SPEAKER: Order! Mr Corbell, direct your comments through the chair.
MR CORBELL: So far we have had 15 hours of debate on the bill, at least the equivalent number of hours in estimates committee hearings, plus examination of the budget in question time. You cannot in any way suggest that there has not been adequate scrutiny to date in this place.
Mrs Burke: You’ll go down in history, won’t you?
Mr Smyth: If you don’t want to do your job, resign.
MR SPEAKER: Order, Mr Smyth! I warn you, Mrs Burke.
MR CORBELL: It is really quite absurd if those opposite and those on the crossbench believe that they are adding any significant value by sitting here until 4.00 am just so that they can repeat criticisms that have already been made in the estimates committee debate and in the in-principle debate on this bill.
Mr Smyth: You don’t like criticism.
MR SPEAKER: Order! I warn you, Mr Smyth.
MR CORBELL: We have already had 15 hours of debate on this bill, which I think, in anyone’s language, is sufficient scrutiny of this bill. It is now time to declare this
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