Page 4346 - Week 10 - Thursday, 22 September 2011
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assertions about the actions of the Assembly. The gravity of the issue is made much greater by the fact that it is action through a privilege committee, which is the most serious course of action that can be taken against a member of this place.
The Assembly took the very serious action of sending the matter to the privileges committee because of the importance that we place on our process. For Mr Smyth to take the course of action that he did is directly contradictory to the resolutions of this place and the historical importance that all Westminster parliaments place on the privileges process. He repeatedly asserted in his speech that there was improper conduct. And, more than that, he is asserting that it was substantial or significant.
Given that the subject of the privilege motion was the impact of a press release, a parliamentary process for Mr Smyth to engage in the very same conduct that the Assembly found should be considered by a privilege committee was highly inappropriate—to such an extent that this motion should be supported. We do have to have particular concern about our conduct at all times, and the Assembly must defend its process. The press release does assert misconduct. It is implicit in the words and context of the statement by Mr Smyth. It was an assertion of misconduct that is not acceptable and not consistent with our standing orders or the accepted practice of this house.
In his speech, again Mr Smyth asserted that there was improper conduct. There are assertions in the press release. Mr Smyth is asserting that the Chief Minister placed extraordinary pressure on the committee. He goes on to talk about behaving in a way that breached the rules. That is what the committee will be considering; it was highly inappropriate to put it in a media release making an assertion about the subject of the inquiry. He then goes on in that press release to talk about how serious the breach is. Again, this was highly inappropriate.
Mr Seselja has just said in his speech that a privileges committee has been established to examine the matter. And that is the point.
Members interjecting—
MR SPEAKER: Mr Smyth! Mr Doszpot!
MS HUNTER: Mr Smyth put out a press release stating that the Chief Minister has been involved in improper conduct, before allowing the committee to examine the matter. It talks about a “pattern of behaviour”, as I said before, and placing extraordinary pressure on the committee. As I say, what Mr Smyth said should not be put out there while these matters are before the committee. Mr Smyth has exaggerated the findings of the PAC and has disregarded the privileges committee’s role in looking into these matters.
The Greens have gone to great lengths to ensure that we have clear standards about conduct. In this place, we do have high standards and expectations. We have gone to some length to articulate the standard. I am sure that all of us have those standards and expectations.
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