Page 1711 - Week 05 - Wednesday, 1 April 2009
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jerk in the same context. It is appalling that we have got an Attorney-General who has no idea of how to counter what is occurring and may occur in this city. It is his responsibility to ensure that people have a safe place to live and to go about their business without hindrance from others.
Mr Seselja: Let us put out a press release.
MADAM ASSISTANT SPEAKER: Mr Seselja!
Ms Porter: Not warned?
Mr Seselja: Is that a reflection on the Chair?
MADAM ASSISTANT SPEAKER: I consider it friendly but unnecessary advice.
MR SMYTH: The overwhelming intent of the excellent motion drafted by Mr Hanson is to gather as much information as you want, but at the end of the day you have to tell us what you will do. I note from Mr Corbell’s motion that his only call to arms, his only piece of action, is to provide information. Mr Hanson has plenty of information. He has seen the recommendations of various reports, he has seen the comments of the Prime Minister and he wants something to be done for the people that he represents. (Time expired.)
MR HANSON (Molonglo) (5.22), in reply: I turn to some of the comments that have been made by members of the Assembly, firstly, to the Chief Minister, who said that we are engaged in some form of bidding war trying to get the toughest laws. That is clearly not the case. No-one in the opposition has said that or implied it. What we have said is that we want appropriate laws, and because South Australia has brought in tough laws and New South Wales is talking about bringing in tough laws, we need to make sure that we have appropriate laws. We are certainly not engaged in any form of bidding war and trying to beat our chests. In fact, the people who have been the toughest and most emotive in their language are the Chief Minister’s Labor colleagues, in particular Nathan Rees. I suggest that if he has concern about community fears being built up, then he should give him a call.
The Chief Minister also said that we lacked evidence to support our claim, and that is not the case. The South Australian government has pointed to evidence in its reports on hearings that outlaw motorcycle gangs are being displaced. The Australian Federal Police Association has said that, even in anticipation of tougher laws, organised crime is being displaced, and that opinion is entirely consistent with what we have been saying to the government—that is, if you create tougher laws in one place and not in other jurisdictions, you do create a vacuum. It does not matter whether you use the word “oasis” or “haven”. Mr Corbell, the Attorney-General, has described me as irresponsible, political and sensationalist.
Mr Seselja: You’re really getting under his skin, Jeremy. Take it as a compliment.
MR HANSON: I do. But what I take most seriously is the fact that we have got to a position where we are talking about this issue and we have movement occurring.
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