Page 3403 - Week 11 - Wednesday, 23 September 2015

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MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Smyth.

MR SMYTH: Chief Minister, why did you fail to speak in favour of the free trade agreement in the Assembly on 12 August 2015?

MR BARR: I have made numerous statements on the public record in this place and elsewhere in support of the free trade agreement.

MADAM SPEAKER: Supplementary question, Mr Wall.

MR WALL: Chief Minister, why did you fail to stand up for Canberra exporters in the Assembly on 12 August?

MR BARR: When they get on a losing theme, they certainly stick to it. I have made clear my position in relation to this matter. What would be useful is if our colleagues on both sides of politics federally would get together and work this out. Both have stated that the free trade agreement, or what is, in fact, a preferential trade agreement, is a good thing for Australia. The argument now is really only over labour market testing. The two sides of politics federally should be able to sort that out. That is the point I have made.

MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Wall.

MR WALL: Chief Minister, will you instead take a stand against bullying and intimidation in the ACT construction industry?

Mr Corbell: On a point of order, it is not clear to me how that supplementary is related to the original question.

MADAM SPEAKER: The original question mentioned the CFMEU motion. Could you repeat the original question please, Mr Smyth?

Mr Smyth: Certainly, Madam Speaker. I said:

On 2 September you sent a tweet saying, “The Australia-China preferential trade agreement will be good for Canberra exporters.” However, on 12 August 2015 you voted against my motion condemning the CFMEU for their vehemently anti-Chinese advertising campaign. How do you reconcile your statement of support for the trade agreement with China on 2 September with your vote against my motion on 12 August?

MADAM SPEAKER: What was your supplementary question, Mr Wall?

Mr Wall: My supplementary, Madam Speaker, was: “Would the Chief Minister take a stand against bullying and intimidation in the construction industry?” It relates to taking a stand on a number of issues including supporting exporters or supporting the free trade agreement.


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