Page 2300 - Week 07 - Tuesday, 16 June 2009

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certainly need to address this process that is subject to so much debate here today in terms of what is appropriate for ministers to account for, and whether it is appropriate for them to have discussions with their department heads and get them to then write to a non-executive member requesting that certain actions occur in terms of withdrawing statements which are critical of the government. We believe that that is inappropriate. The government has a differing view on that, and that is why this matter should be put to a committee to look at this matter and make a ruling in that regard. We need to clarify what the correct guidelines are for operating in this place. I thank members once again for their contributions to this debate. I look forward to the results of the committee’s deliberations.

Question put:

That Mr Hanson’s motion, as amended, be agreed to.

The Assembly voted—

Question so resolved in the affirmative.

MR STANHOPE (Ginninderra—Chief Minister, Minister for Transport, Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, Minister for Business and Economic Development, Minister for Indigenous Affairs and Minister for the Arts and Heritage), by leave: In his closing remarks and during this debate, Mr Hanson said on a number of occasions that Mr Cormack had, in his letter, insisted that if certain things were not done he would take further action. That is not true. Mr Cormack actually expressed an opinion. The opinion was:

In the light of the above I believe that it is appropriate that you withdraw this allegation, and this is best done by withdrawing the media release in its current form. I believe that it is also appropriate that you take appropriate steps to clarify your published statement.

That is an expression of a personal opinion: “I believe it would be appropriate for you to correct the record.” There is no threat. There is no suggestion that he, Mr Cormack, would take further action or further steps. He expressed an opinion as to something that he thought you should do. You have stated repeatedly today that he said he would take further action. That is not true. I wish simply to say that, if Mr Hanson does not correct the record today, the government will move to censure him.

Estimates 2009-2010—Select Committee

Report 1

MR SESELJA (Molonglo—Leader of the Opposition) (12.05): Pursuant to order, I present the following report:

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