Mr RIOLI - 1995-02-22
Last night, a few hundred people gathered outside this building, including Mr Speaker and a few other members, to express their views on the Chief Minister's euthanasia bill. Why didn't theChief Minister go outside to listen to what those people had to say?
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, I am not convinced that, under standing orders, I am really required to answer such a question. However, in a spirit of cooperation, I indicate that I was aware from media reports that there would be a gathering of some persons to demonstrate outside Parliament House last night. That is their entitlement and I would never suggest for a moment that anyone cannot take the opportunity for peaceful demonstration in relation to any issue that they feel strongly about.
However, in respect of opportunities for people to put their views to me, there are many. Indeed, I receive many views, including views on the subject related to the demonstration. Given that the views expressed generally by the people at that demonstration would be in opposition to my own, I am not sure that such a forum would be an ideal way for them to have input to me. It is difficult to talk to 300 people and I understand that there were about that many people there. There are other opportunities.
I believe at least one member spoke a few words to the crowd and other members were present. That is fine. I have no objection to that. I am not sure they would have appreciated my haranguing them with my views. It probably would have been an inappropriate forum for
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me to push my cause. I do not feel embarrassed about it at all. I simply do not believe it would have served any useful purpose for me to have attended. I am aware that the people were there. I can assure the Assembly that the strength of those people's feeling is noted and is reflected in some of my mail.
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ANSWER
Mr Speaker, I am not convinced that, under standing orders, I am really required to answer such a question. However, in a spirit of cooperation, I indicate that I was aware from media reports that there would be a gathering of some persons to demonstrate outside Parliament House last night. That is their entitlement and I would never suggest for a moment that anyone cannot take the opportunity for peaceful demonstration in relation to any issue that they feel strongly about.
However, in respect of opportunities for people to put their views to me, there are many. Indeed, I receive many views, including views on the subject related to the demonstration. Given that the views expressed generally by the people at that demonstration would be in opposition to my own, I am not sure that such a forum would be an ideal way for them to have input to me. It is difficult to talk to 300 people and I understand that there were about that many people there. There are other opportunities.
I believe at least one member spoke a few words to the crowd and other members were present. That is fine. I have no objection to that. I am not sure they would have appreciated my haranguing them with my views. It probably would have been an inappropriate forum for
Page 433
me to push my cause. I do not feel embarrassed about it at all. I simply do not believe it would have served any useful purpose for me to have attended. I am aware that the people were there. I can assure the Assembly that the strength of those people's feeling is noted and is reflected in some of my mail.
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Last updated: 09 Aug 2016