Mr BAILEY - 1994-06-30
During the Prime Minister's recent visit to Indonesia, he raised the issue of the Indonesian government's recent closure of 3 news magazines. The federal Leader of the Opposition, Hon Alexander Downer, has taken credit for the Prime Minister raising the issue in Indonesia. Does the minister support the federal Leader of the Opposition's condemnation of the Indonesian government's crackdown on the freedom of the press in that country?
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ANSWER
Mr Speaker, let me illustrate what separates government members from members opposite ...
Mr Bailey: I am asking whether you support your federal colleague.
Mr STONE: You will have your answer. This is one of the fundamental matters that separates government members from opposition members and why Territorians said no overwhelmingly to the opposition. The simple fact is that I support the Prime Minister's position because we determine our own policy and views here. Unlike members opposite, who obtain their instructions from Canberra and follow them slavishly to the last letter, the Northern Territory Country Liberal Party is an independent party which forms its own views.
Mr Bailey: Do you support Alexander Downer or not?
Mr STONE: I support the Prime Minister. Got it?
Members interjecting.
Mr SPEAKER: Order!
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ANSWER
Mr Speaker, let me illustrate what separates government members from members opposite ...
Mr Bailey: I am asking whether you support your federal colleague.
Mr STONE: You will have your answer. This is one of the fundamental matters that separates government members from opposition members and why Territorians said no overwhelmingly to the opposition. The simple fact is that I support the Prime Minister's position because we determine our own policy and views here. Unlike members opposite, who obtain their instructions from Canberra and follow them slavishly to the last letter, the Northern Territory Country Liberal Party is an independent party which forms its own views.
Mr Bailey: Do you support Alexander Downer or not?
Mr STONE: I support the Prime Minister. Got it?
Members interjecting.
Mr SPEAKER: Order!
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Last updated: 09 Aug 2016