Ms MOSS - 2015-03-25
Yesterday you made an outrageous allegation about media racism in relation to the alleged rape of a child at an Alice Springs town camp. Will you apologise to the media for this slur against them? As the member for Araluen said yesterday, you appear to have had a personal epiphany about child sexual abuse. Have you not read the Growing them strong, together report? Will your budget next month reinstate the $8m and jobs removed from Children and Families under your CLP government?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, it is good to see concerns for the child in Alice Springs being raised. I thank the member for Casuarina for the question because it puts into perspective what I said yesterday. I had concerns about the welfare of a child in Alice Springs and the community did not show outrage. Some people interpreted that as an attack on the media, but it was not. It was pointing to the fact that the community did not show the outrage I expected for the welfare of this kid and it upset me.
Your question has tried to politicise the welfare of this kid. You have not asked how the child is doing. I find that truly offensive and I understand …
Mr VOWLES: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Pursuant to Standing Order 49 I ask the Chief Minister to address his comments through the Chair.
Madam SPEAKER: Sit down, member for Johnston. He is addressing the Chair.
Mr VOWLES: He is not; he is trying to intimidate the member for Casuarina.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Johnston, please leave the Chamber for one hour pursuant to Standing Order 240A.
Mr GILES: I could be wrong, but I think the member for Casuarina is the opposition spokesperson for Children and Families. If so, that question is a slight on the representation of that portfolio.
Mr GUNNER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 113: relevance. The member for Casuarina asked a legitimate question. Will the Chief Minister reverse his $8m cuts to Children and Families and the positions that have been lost?
Mr GILES: Member for Fannie Bay, you are better than that. You know that question is out of order.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, it is good to see concerns for the child in Alice Springs being raised. I thank the member for Casuarina for the question because it puts into perspective what I said yesterday. I had concerns about the welfare of a child in Alice Springs and the community did not show outrage. Some people interpreted that as an attack on the media, but it was not. It was pointing to the fact that the community did not show the outrage I expected for the welfare of this kid and it upset me.
Your question has tried to politicise the welfare of this kid. You have not asked how the child is doing. I find that truly offensive and I understand …
Mr VOWLES: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Pursuant to Standing Order 49 I ask the Chief Minister to address his comments through the Chair.
Madam SPEAKER: Sit down, member for Johnston. He is addressing the Chair.
Mr VOWLES: He is not; he is trying to intimidate the member for Casuarina.
_________________________
Suspension of Member
Member for Johnston
Suspension of Member
Member for Johnston
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Johnston, please leave the Chamber for one hour pursuant to Standing Order 240A.
_________________________
Mr GILES: I could be wrong, but I think the member for Casuarina is the opposition spokesperson for Children and Families. If so, that question is a slight on the representation of that portfolio.
Mr GUNNER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 113: relevance. The member for Casuarina asked a legitimate question. Will the Chief Minister reverse his $8m cuts to Children and Families and the positions that have been lost?
Mr GILES: Member for Fannie Bay, you are better than that. You know that question is out of order.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016