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Personal Explanation
Mr ACTING-SPEAKER (Mr John Mills) Order! In accordance with an undertaking given by Mr Speaker earlier, I call the honourable member for Manly to make a personal explanation.
Mr DAVID BARR: On Tuesday the honourable member for Wakehurst alleged by way of a notice of motion in this House that I colluded with the Labor Party to attempt to induce the Christian Democratic Party candidate in the Pittwater by-election, Patricia Giles, to run as an Independent.
Mr Chris Hartcher: Point of order—
Mr ACTING-SPEAKER (Mr John Mills): Order!
Mr Chris Hartcher: Point of order—
Mr DAVID BARR: He said I told her:
If you want to get into Parliament, drop the Christian Democratic involvement—
Mr Chris Hartcher: Point of order—
Mr ACTING-SPEAKER (Mr John Mills): Order! The honourable member for Gosford does not have to be rude. I heard him and was in the process of acknowledging him. If he acts with some courtesy, that courtesy will be returned.
Mr Chris Hartcher: I appreciate that. You have been courteous but the honourable member for Manly insisted on continuing to speak and that was my problem. The honourable member for Manly must show how his character was being impugned.
Mr DAVID BARR: I am.
Mr Chris Hartcher: As you well know, he must not debate the issue with the honourable member for Wakehurst. He has to show how his character was impugned.
Mr ACTING-SPEAKER (Mr John Mills): Order! At this stage the honourable member for Manly is in order. I am listening carefully.
Mr DAVID BARR: The honourable member for Wakehurst alleged that I told her:
If you want to get into Parliament, drop the Christian Democratic involvement and I can deliver to you Labor Party support which has delivered into office other independents around the state.
This is completely and totally untrue; it is a malicious fabrication. Trish Giles sent me an open letter in which she states:
At no time has David Barr MP offered me any financial or campaign assistance incentives to change to an Independent candidate.
The allegation was an attempt to besmirch my name and reputation as a true Independent—
Mr Chris Hartcher: Point of order—
Mr ACTING-SPEAKER (Mr John Mills): Order! At this stage the honourable member for Manly is in order.
Mr DAVID BARR: —and reflects poorly on the integrity of the honourable member for Wakehurst. He should resign for attempting to mislead the House.