Page 556 - Week 02 - Thursday, 21 February 2019
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His Honour was a great advocate for positive change. He was known to be firm and fair. His contribution to our community and those in other jurisdictions has left a legacy that will not be forgotten. Instead, it will be admired and remembered for a long time to come.
Madam Speaker, while the Canberra community will undoubtedly miss Justice Miles, he leaves a remarkable legacy. The people who suffer most at this difficult time are his family and his close friends. Our thoughts and our sympathies are with them during this period of bereavement. I extend my condolences to Patricia and to the entire family.
Question resolved in the affirmative, members standing in their places.
Reflection on the chair
Statement by Speaker
MADAM SPEAKER: Members, last night, during the adjournment debate, Mrs Kikkert made some remarks about the performance of the Speaker. Members will recall that earlier that day Mrs Kikkert had been given Speaker’s leave to make a personal explanation to explain where Mrs Kikkert had been misrepresented. I considered that Mrs Kikkert was simply continuing the debate over a question asked by Mrs Kikkert and answered by Ms Stephen-Smith. I directed Mrs Kikkert to resume her seat, as I did not consider Mrs Kikkert was making a personal explanation. In the adjournment debate Mrs Kikkert made the following statement:
I found it disappointing that earlier … you gave me leave to make a personal explanation about why I should not have been mocked in this chamber; then, under pressure from your side of the chamber and without any explanation, you had me sit down. I may not be as pushy as the Chief Minister but I deserve a fair hearing and fair treatment in this place.
As set out at page 74 of the Companion to the standing orders, it is not in order to criticise or reflect on the actions of the chair, and the Speaker’s actions can only be criticised by way of a substantive motion. That section of the Companion outlines several precedents where the Speaker has considered an accusation of partiality in the discharge of their duties and has asked that that reflection be withdrawn.
Having considered Mrs Kikkert’s statement in the Assembly last night, I am of the view that it implies that I acted under pressure, and that I did not give Mrs Kikkert a fair hearing. Both of those accusations reflect on the impartiality of the chair, and I ask Mrs Kikkert to withdraw any reflection on the impartiality of the chair. As she is not in the chamber, I will ask her to withdraw that when she is next in the chamber.
Administration and Procedure—Standing Committee
Reporting date
MR WALL (Brindabella) (10.20), by leave: I move:
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