CONSTITUTION (APPOINTMENTS) BILL

Committee Stage

In committee (resumed on motion).

(Continued from page 3936.)

Clause 1.

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY: I am advised that the printed copies of the Constitution (Appointments) Bill have arrived and, believe it or not, they are absolutely identical to the copies that were circulated. Other than the fact that the name of the Legislative Council is on the top, the content is identical to that which was circulated to members yesterday.

The Hon. R.D. LAWSON: I thank the government for finally making available to members of the Legislative Council a printed copy of this bill. The minister just said that it is in identical terms to the draft that was circulated to members yesterday. I believe that to be the case, although it was my understanding that actually the draft that was circulated to me was not circulated to all members yesterday, so it is not entirely true to say that.

However, I make no apology for making the point that the committee ought to have a printed copy of a bill before it considers it, especially in a matter which is to remedy an issue that was identified by the government years ago.

Clause passed.

Remaining clauses (2 to 5) and title passed.

Third Reading

Bill read a third time and passed.