Mr EDE - 1994-10-13
The Chief Minister has been totally exposed for his conflicting statements about the Cannonball Run. Members will recall that the Chief Minister and members opposite stated, in Australia at least, that the Cannonball Run was a run and not a race. It has now been revealed that the Chief Minister was personally promoting the event in Japan as 'one of the great car races of all time'. How does the Chief Minister explain his behaviour in this matter, and does he accept that his promotion of the event as a race placed the lives of ordinary road users in the Northern Territory at risk and led to the tragedy that occurred?
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, I am a little surprised that the Leader of the Opposition should raise this issue in the House on this occasion because, to date, and I commend him for it, his statements in relation to the Cannonball Run, in particular after the tragic accident which occurred earlier this year, have been eminently responsible. However, he seems to have cast that attitude to one side at the moment, notwithstanding the fact that there is a coroner's inquiry in progress as we speak. I believe it is sitting this day. It is expected that it will run for a couple of weeks and it is possible that I may be called as a witness by that inquiry. I believe it would be inappropriate for me to make public statements at this time, including statements made in this House under privilege, which I appreciate I am entitled to do ...
Mr Ede: Why?
Mr Stone: Read your House of Representatives Practice.
Mr PERRON: It would be inappropriate. I am not saying that I do not have the ability to do whatever I like on the floor of this House, within standing orders of course. I
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have the protection of privilege. I am well aware of that. I have been here a great deal longer than you have and I am likely to be here a great deal longer than you are. However, this matter is being aired publicly and perfectly properly in another forum at this stage, in a most serious and thorough examination of the accident and, in due course, the coroner will present his findings. Given the number of witnesses being called and the length of this inquiry, it will be probably one of the most thoroughly examined motor vehicle accidents in the history of Australia, and quite properly so. For me to engage in discussion on matters that may be currently ...
Mr Bailey: That is why we have open courts.
Mr PERRON: ... relevant before the ...
Mr Ede: That is why we have parliaments.
Mr PERRON: Mr Speaker, I do not believe it is appropriate. I am very willing to answer to this Chamber on any matters at any time after the coroner has completed his inquiry.
Mr Ede: Then it will be sub judice.
Mr SPEAKER: Order!
Mr PERRON: Mr Speaker, in regard to the interjection by the Leader of the Opposition, I suggest that he undertake a little study of the law.
Mr Ede: There it is - House of Representatives Practice.
Mr PERRON: I believe that he should take some advice on this matter from a legal practitioner.
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ANSWER
Mr Speaker, I am a little surprised that the Leader of the Opposition should raise this issue in the House on this occasion because, to date, and I commend him for it, his statements in relation to the Cannonball Run, in particular after the tragic accident which occurred earlier this year, have been eminently responsible. However, he seems to have cast that attitude to one side at the moment, notwithstanding the fact that there is a coroner's inquiry in progress as we speak. I believe it is sitting this day. It is expected that it will run for a couple of weeks and it is possible that I may be called as a witness by that inquiry. I believe it would be inappropriate for me to make public statements at this time, including statements made in this House under privilege, which I appreciate I am entitled to do ...
Mr Ede: Why?
Mr Stone: Read your House of Representatives Practice.
Mr PERRON: It would be inappropriate. I am not saying that I do not have the ability to do whatever I like on the floor of this House, within standing orders of course. I
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have the protection of privilege. I am well aware of that. I have been here a great deal longer than you have and I am likely to be here a great deal longer than you are. However, this matter is being aired publicly and perfectly properly in another forum at this stage, in a most serious and thorough examination of the accident and, in due course, the coroner will present his findings. Given the number of witnesses being called and the length of this inquiry, it will be probably one of the most thoroughly examined motor vehicle accidents in the history of Australia, and quite properly so. For me to engage in discussion on matters that may be currently ...
Mr Bailey: That is why we have open courts.
Mr PERRON: ... relevant before the ...
Mr Ede: That is why we have parliaments.
Mr PERRON: Mr Speaker, I do not believe it is appropriate. I am very willing to answer to this Chamber on any matters at any time after the coroner has completed his inquiry.
Mr Ede: Then it will be sub judice.
Mr SPEAKER: Order!
Mr PERRON: Mr Speaker, in regard to the interjection by the Leader of the Opposition, I suggest that he undertake a little study of the law.
Mr Ede: There it is - House of Representatives Practice.
Mr PERRON: I believe that he should take some advice on this matter from a legal practitioner.
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Last updated: 09 Aug 2016