Page 2349 - Week 06 - Thursday, 10 May 2012
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how the community thinks. While we appreciate that other parties will have a role through their representation on the administrative and procedures committee, being consulted as part of a group is a very different thing from being consulted individually as a party.
The additional requirement is not onerous and it is appropriate that, where there is a clear level of community support and significant representation in this place, that should be respected by the administrative processes that we operate under.
MR SESELJA (Molonglo—Leader of the Opposition) (12.25): We will not be supporting the Greens’ amendments. We see from this what the Greens are predicting they will have in the Assembly after the next election. I think this is all about giving the Greens representation. What has been put forward by the Speaker, in consultation with the Clerk, is the appropriate way to do it. That includes the government, the opposition and admin and procedures also. I think there is a fair amount of consultation with the entire Assembly. The Greens’ amendment begs the question: if it is good enough for a minor party such as the Greens which has maybe two members, why is it not good enough for any independent? That is a little bit inconsistent. I think the current arrangement is fine, and we will not be supporting the amendment.
MS GALLAGHER (Molonglo—Chief Minister, Minister for Health and Minister for Territory and Municipal Services) (12.26): The government will be supporting this amendment. We think the appointment of a Clerk is a critical decision in the life of a parliament and that that decision should be taken in consultation with all recognised parties in the Assembly. I note that in a small parliament like this there is the opportunity for all members to be involved or consulted at some level.
I find the amendment a little clumsy and interesting—“in consultation with the leader (however described)”. I presume that is a reference to “parliamentary convener”, although I believe you are now the leader, Ms Hunter. There are other words obviously—“commander”, “general”, perhaps “boss”—but it is a typical Greens’ amendment to have that slight caveat in there and to not necessarily have a leader of your party, but the government will be supporting the amendment.
Amendments agreed to.
Clause 9, as amended, agreed to.
Clauses 10 to 12, by leave, taken together and agreed to.
Clause 13.
MR RATTENBURY (Molonglo) (12.28): I move amendment No 1 circulated in my name [see schedule 2 at page 2466].
This amendment addresses comments made by the scrutiny committee that a note is be included to this effect to more clearly establish the link to the requirements in section 179 of the Legislation Act so far as a statement of reasons is concerned.
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