Page 5590 - Week 13 - Thursday, 17 November 2011
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MR SMYTH: It is daft. It is the daftest thing I have ever heard. Consequently I have moved the amendment circulated in my name deleting the words “the Treasurer” and putting in the words “one member nominated by the government”. And I look forward to the government supporting this, because if they do not, then it puts the lie to this notion that they are burdened: “We make mistakes because we are overburdened by the diversity of our portfolios and how much work we have got to do.”
Mr Seselja: Four ministers tells a story too, doesn’t it?
MR SMYTH: It does tell the story. There are four ministers, which means there are three backbenchers. Obviously there is plenty of capacity on the backbench or you simply do not trust the backbench to represent the government appropriately on the committee. So there is a vexed question here for the government. I look forward to them supporting my amendment. That said, the opposition will be supporting the select committee.
MR BARR (Molonglo—Deputy Chief Minister, Treasurer, Minister for Economic Development, Minister for Education and Training and Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation) (5.05): The government will not be supporting the amendment.
Mr Smyth: So you are not overworked? Interesting.
MR BARR: I will, in response to Mr Smyth’s concern about my—
Members interjecting—
MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER: Can you sit down, please, Mr Barr. Stop the clock, please. We are not having conversations across the chamber. This is not the way it works. Mr Barr has the floor. Will you please all be quiet and listen to him in silence.
Mr Doszpot: They are talking to us as well, Mary.
MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER: I said “across the chamber”, Mr Doszpot. Again, we actually do not need advice. I heard conversations coming from both sides of the room to each other. I have asked for it to stop. When you have all finished—have you all finished?
Mr Hargreaves: Madam Deputy Speaker, I heard Mr Doszpot’s conversation just now referring to you by your first name. It is customary in this place to address the chair by your title, Madam Deputy Speaker. I would like Mr Doszpot to continue to do that properly, please.
Mr Doszpot: Madam Deputy Speaker, I do apologise for that.
MADAM ASSISTANT SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr Doszpot.
MR BARR: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. As I was going to observe, whilst I am touched by Mr Smyth’s concern for my work-life balance, I am prepared on this
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