Page 2913 - Week 07 - Thursday, 7 June 2012
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In the end, and I understand from discussions that we have had, ultimately this is just a political exercise and that any motion that is carried today seeking to direct the government on this matter has no practical or legal implication because only a minister can move a resolution or seek to enact to appropriate money. In the context of what the government is being called on to do here, if the Assembly were to seek to override the decision of the minister in this instance it would have the effect of being in breach of the self-government act.
The minister has responded to the committee but it is not for the committee to determine the policy of the executive or seek to appropriate funds for a particular purpose. The self-government act is very clear on this. As I understand it, Mr Speaker—certainly it might be useful for you to share with the Assembly what you shared with me earlier in relation to the actual practical implications—this is just a political statement; it has no legal bearing on the decision of the minister and the appropriate response and policy of the executive in relation to this matter.
Undoubtedly this issue will continue beyond tonight, and there will continue to be polarised views on the matter. But the one thing I do agree with Mr Hanson on is that a decision needs to be made. We should get on with and endorse the position that Minister Burch has outlined, or else this issue will continue to drag on and on and on, and I do not think anyone will get the outcome that they want.
MR SPEAKER: Would the Assembly wish me to address that point that Mr Barr has just raised, or shall we move on with the debate? I feel like I am being dragged into this by having offered a view earlier. I am unclear whether the Assembly just wants to continue or whether I should offer—
Mrs Dunne: I think we should continue, otherwise it puts you in an invidious position, pontificating from the chair.
MR SPEAKER: Thank you; fine.
MR SMYTH (Brindabella) (6.32): I would like to clarify what Mr Barr has just said. I think his interpretation of the act is entirely wrong. My memory of the act is that it says that no other member than a minister can present an appropriation bill, a money bill. We pass things in this place every day that have an effect, that cause the government to spend money. What we do not do is force the government to appropriate money. I think it is quite disingenuous to stand up and say, “We’re not bound by this, whatever the outcome, because you can’t have a money bill.” I think you need to check your law, and I am just waiting for some advice from the Clerk.
Members interjecting—
MR SPEAKER: Order, members! I think we just need to proceed. The question is that Ms Le Couteur’s amendments be agreed to.
Amendments negatived.
MR SPEAKER: The question now is that the motion be agreed to.
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