Legislative Council - Fifty-First Parliament, Second Session (51-2)
2007-10-25 Daily Xml

Contents

VICTIMS OF CRIME (COMMISSIONER FOR VICTIMS' RIGHTS) AMENDMENT BILL

Second Reading

Adjourned debate on second reading.

(Continued from 23 October 2007. Page 1081.)

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Police, Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning) (15:31): I think it just remains for me to thank all honourable members for their contribution to the debate on this bill. I commend the bill to the council and look forward to its speedy passage.

Bill read a second time.

Committee Stage

In committee.

Clause 1.

The Hon. S.G. WADE: I want to take this opportunity to say that I am disappointed that the government has not acted on the vacancy of the Hon. Mr Xenophon. He indicated, at an earlier stage, that he would be moving amendments to this act. The fact that the government is leaving that seat vacant means that his successor is not able to provide the council with that member's wisdom, or to take on the amendments that the Hon. Mr Xenophon was intending to move. I think it is regrettable for both this council and the people of South Australia that the government is not fulfilling its responsibilities in keeping this council at full strength.

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY: In relation to this bill, my advice is that Mr Xenophon did not actually speak on it. He may have spoken on the companion bill but, in any case, when he was elected he had Ms Bressington on the ticket, so he does have another member in this place if, in fact, he was a party. If that member is a member of that party (if it is a party) and, therefore, we need to go down the ticket, then obviously we have somebody there who should be able to fulfil that operation. Again, we make the point that you cannot have it both ways; either you are a member of a party or you are not. As I said, Ms Bressington had either 31 or 32 primary votes. She was elected very much on Mr Xenophon's ticket. If she wishes to represent Mr Xenophon, she can do so. Who is to say that, even if Mr Darley were here, he would move the same amendments.

Clause passed.

Remaining clauses (2 to 8), schedule and title passed.

Bill reported without amendment; committee's report adopted.

Third Reading

Bill read a third time and passed.