Page 2478 - Week 08 - Wednesday, 13 August 2014
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All three parties have agreed to this. All three parties apparently want this. We know that the community wants it, because I have certainly been lobbied by a large number of groups. We had the motion last year asking for this to happen. We have got a motion this year asking for it to happen. Do we need another motion next year for it to happen? Will there be another motion in 2016 for this to happen? That may well be the case.
There has not been an excuse given. There is no reason for this not to happen now. If you want to achieve what is in the agreement, I am not sure why the delay. We have not had an excuse. I think it is entirely appropriate, when the Assembly has asked for something to happen and called for something to happen, that the next step is then to direct that something happen. That is quite reasonable, and it has happened before in this place.
The problem is that there is an internal stoush going on there and they have got a number of ministers who are not willing to surrender. It is about personal ego. This, again, is about emotional attachment to the bits they have and that they are not going to surrender for the good of the environment. The Greens-Labor alliance say, “Look at us; we are the party that best looks after the environment.” I will back our environment record against yours any day. I was the first minister—
MR ASSISTANT SPEAKER: Mr Smyth, resume your seat, please. Mr Smyth, I have already spoken to you on a number of occasions about addressing your remarks to the chair. You are now warned.
MR SMYTH: To your warning, Mr Assistant Speaker—thank you for the warning—which bit of my looking you in the eye—
MR ASSISTANT SPEAKER: Mr Smyth, are you taking a point of order?
MR SMYTH: Sorry?
MR ASSISTANT SPEAKER: Are you taking a point of order?
MR SMYTH: I am taking a point of order. I said, “To your warning.” Which bit of looking you in the eye and speaking through you and every three or four lines saying “Mr Assistant Speaker” is not directing my speech through you?
MR ASSISTANT SPEAKER: It is your use of the first person term, as well you know.
MR SMYTH: So are you making a ruling that no-one can use a first person term—
MR ASSISTANT SPEAKER: that is not addressed to—
MR SMYTH: Under standing order 73, I ask for a ruling from—
MR ASSISTANT SPEAKER: Mr Smyth! Mr Smyth!
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