Page 3750 - Week 10 - Thursday, 14 September 2017
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Mr Steel: On a point of order, Madam Speaker, the member has not once brought this back to the question of why standing orders should be suspended. On a matter of relevance I ask that you please rule.
MADAM SPEAKER: Ms Lawder, you have 48 seconds left. I am sure you will conclude.
MS LAWDER: Thank you so much. I might just repeatedly call on the government to live up to their own rhetoric, which would be a nice change. Instead of talking the talk, I would actually like them to walk the talk this time, just this once, and provide that information to the opposition.
MS FITZHARRIS (Yerrabi—Minister for Health, Minister for Transport and City Services and Minister for Higher Education, Training and Research) (3.34): I note that—and I may be mistaken—the first time that the opposition asked for the particular document referred to in Ms Lawder’s motion was about 20 minutes ago. And then, unbeknown to me and to members here, a motion was circulated—
Mr Coe: You refused.
MS FITZHARRIS: I was not directly asked and I did not refuse. In the interests of a functioning Assembly—
Mr Coe interjecting—
MADAM SPEAKER: Mr Coe—
Ms Lawder interjecting—
MADAM SPEAKER: Members of the opposition, Ms Lawder was heard in peace, other than a couple of points of order. Give that due respect back to the minister, thank you.
MS FITZHARRIS: Thank you, Madam Speaker. This is a very serious matter. The tirade of sarcasm that we have just been subjected to could have been avoided if a simple question had been put to me: “Would the minister consider tabling this report?” I have been very open in all my dealings on this matter in this place, in responding to questions from the opposition, in responding to questions in the media. I note again that ACT Fire & Rescue has confirmed that the Centenary hospital is a safe, modern, building. This reckless political exercise by the opposition is not really what they claim it is. This is a political exercise by which they are seeking to whip up fear in our community.
Mrs Dunne has suggested on many occasions that she wants to be a constructive partner. I do not consider this exercise constructive—to ask for something about 20 minutes ago and to then circulate a motion. Mrs Dunne and many other members, all other members of the opposition, are welcome to walk around here and ask me, as I frequently walk around and talk to members on the other side.
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