Page 4347 - Week 10 - Thursday, 22 September 2011
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We have considered the issues and this motion. We think that the content of Mr Smyth’s statement was highly inappropriate in the context of what is happening in this place; in the context of the establishment, just days ago, of a privileges committee and inquiry; and in the context of the clear standard of conduct that this Assembly had resolved it was concerned about. This means the impact on the committee and, I would add, the public perception that he has unfairly created through putting out this press release after this place had resolved to set up a privileges committee to look into these matters.
MS GALLAGHER (Molonglo—Chief Minister, Minister for Health and Minister for Industrial Relations) (3.30): I will just speak briefly to the motion. The government has brought forward this motion today simply to bring Mr Smyth into line and to allow the process that has been established by this Assembly to occur without continued, persistent and repeated interruptions. I believe very strongly, based on—
Mr Doszpot interjecting—
MR SPEAKER: Mr Doszpot, you are warned. Ms Gallagher, one moment, thank you.
Mr Doszpot interjecting—
MR SPEAKER: Mr Doszpot, I have made my views clear. You are now warned for interjecting.
MS GALLAGHER: Thank you. I certainly believe that without this motion coming before the Assembly today, Mr Smyth would continue on his merry way throughout the course of the privileges inquiry to continue to perpetuate the idea that the committee has already made certain findings.
I note that Mr Seselja and Mr Smyth seemed to spend the majority of their defence reflecting on matters not pertaining to the matter at hand. But if you go to the motion passed by this Assembly on Tuesday, moved by Mr Smyth and presumably written by Mr Smyth—
Mr Smyth interjecting—
MR SPEAKER: Mr Smyth!
MS GALLAGHER: It says:
… pursuant to standing order 276, a Select Committee on Privileges be established to examine whether—
“whether” being the most important word here—
there was improper interference …
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