Page 1708 - Week 05 - Wednesday, 1 April 2009
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MR SMYTH: I did not say that, Mr Corbell. You are very good at this. But you are the one here who voted to direct the government—
Mr Corbell: Are you arguing in favour of your—
MADAM ASSISTANT SPEAKER: Mr Corbell, do not interject. Mr Smyth, address the chair.
MR SMYTH: I know it is galling to you to be hoist with your own petard.
MADAM ASSISTANT SPEAKER: Mr Smyth, address the chair.
MR SMYTH: Madam Assistant Speaker, I know it is galling for Mr Corbell—
Mr Corbell: No, you are meant to be arguing in favour of your proposition, Mr Smyth, not against it.
MADAM ASSISTANT SPEAKER: Mr Corbell, be quiet.
MR SMYTH: I continue:
Some resolutions are couched in terms that express the opinion of the House on a matter and as a result may not have any directive force.
But it does not stop us doing it.
Mr Corbell: Yes, that is the key point. It has no force.
MR SMYTH: No, just wait, Mr Corbell. You are always so anxious. He is always so anxious, Madam Assistant Speaker. I continue:
However, this is not to say that the opinions of the House are to be disregarded, as it is incumbent upon the Executive Government and its employees and others concerned with matters on which the House has expressed an opinion to take cognisance of that opinion when contemplating or formulating any future action.
And there is the whole picture.
Mr Corbell: But they are not bound by it, Mr Smyth.
MADAM ASSISTANT SPEAKER: Mr Corbell, be quiet.
MR SMYTH: Poor old Mr Corbell. There he is, stung because we have got somebody who wants to take action to protect the citizens of the ACT and he is unable to do so. It is interesting that Mr Corbell tabled the Government Solicitor’s advice. It is great. When they think it is on their side they are more than happy to slap a bit of Government Solicitor advice on the table.
Mr Seselja: I thought it was all privileged.
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