Page 2474 - Week 06 - Thursday, 23 June 2011
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Ms Hunter did not speak at the start. Normally when we have these motions, the mover speaks and other people address what is said. Very rarely have these motions got to the stage where the mover, inside the 15 minutes, actually gets the opportunity to come back and close. In that regard, these are important issues and they need to be addressed.
Ms Gallagher said that these are relatively complex issues. Yes, she is right. Ms Hunter herself said that there are 17 substantial amendments and the rest are consequentials. She may well be right. If they are substantial and if they are clarifying, why are we moving them in this manner?
That is why I would like to speak in this debate and that is why I am moving for the suspension of standing orders so that I might have that opportunity.
MR CORBELL (Molonglo—Attorney-General, Minister for the Environment and Sustainable Development, Minister for Territory and Municipal Services and Minister for Police and Emergency Services) (8.03): Madam Assistant Speaker, the government is prepared to grant leave. I appreciate that there is a question before the chair. The government would not oppose suspension of standing orders to allow Mr Smyth to speak in relation to the suspension of standing orders.
MR RATTENBURY (Molonglo) (8.03): On Mr Smyth’s indignation at not being able to speak, I note the irony in the fact that Ms Hunter is actually the fourth person to speak in the debate, and she rose largely on the basis that Mrs Dunne was sitting there goading her to speak. Mrs Dunne said, “Come on; get up and say what you have got to say.” Ironically, Mrs Dunne goaded Ms Hunter into it and did Mr Smyth out of a turn. Don’t you love the beautiful irony?
Mr Hanson: On a point of order, Madam Assistant Speaker, I am not sure that you—
Members interjecting—
MADAM ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Ms Le Couteur): Members! One moment, Mr Hanson. Members, there is far too much discussion in this Assembly. I can hardly hear Mr Hanson. Mr Hanson, you have the floor.
MR HANSON (Molonglo) (8.04): I was going to raise a point of order, but I will speak to the debate. The point is that earlier today Katy Gallagher, the Chief Minister, was calling for open and accountable government. This is what we are talking about—giving Mr Smyth—
MADAM ASSISTANT SPEAKER: Mr Hanson, I am not sure how relevant that is to this debate.
MR HANSON: You will find out. This is my point. In this new era of openness and accountability, why is it that Mr Smyth would be denied the opportunity to speak to this debate? Why would the government and the Greens wish to close Mr Smyth’s opportunity to speak to a matter which relates to the openness and accountability of
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