Page 2648 - Week 09 - Tuesday, 11 August 2015
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The odd interjection here or there, as you say, is part of a robust debate in this place. But you yourself have observed that it has got out of hand, and it has not got out of hand on this side of the chamber. I was simply making that point. I understand and accept that Mr Doszpot is volunteering in this instance, and, Mr Doszpot, I apologise if I have caused you offence.
Ms Burch: Can I just follow through on a point of order, Madam Speaker?
MADAM SPEAKER: On a point of order.
Ms Burch: If someone is withdrawing a comment, should they be on their feet or lounging in a chair—just for a point of reference?
MADAM SPEAKER: People do not speak in this place formally unless they are on their feet.
Ms Burch: Earlier today Mr Hanson withdrew sitting in a chair.
MADAM SPEAKER: Not to my recollection.
Ms Burch: Madam Speaker, I disagree with that.
MADAM SPEAKER: This is not a subject of discussion at the moment. We are talking about members’ behaviour. We have—
Members interjecting—
MADAM SPEAKER: Order! I appreciate that the Chief Minister has apologised to Mr Doszpot for rounding on him before, and I thank the Chief Minister for doing that. We are here to debate the budget. I believe we were up to Community Services Directorate part 1.7.
Community Services Directorate—schedule 1, part 1.7.
DR BOURKE (Ginninderra) (8.32): Madam Speaker, when we consider the horrendous half-billion-dollar cuts of the Abbott government to Indigenous programs, a government and characters which I hear the Liberals opposite seek to emulate, to model themselves on, we see that the strong commitment of the ACT government to Canberra’s Indigenous community through continued investment in consultation and programs is essential. We have worked to ensure that Indigenous outcomes can improve in Canberra in the face of this onslaught of federal cuts. This ACT Labor government, under successive chief ministers, has made significant effort in advancing reconciliation and closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
The ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander agreement for 2015-18, concluded between the ACT government and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body, is a watershed for relations between the ACT government and Indigenous
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