Republic Referendum

Reverend the Hon. F. J. NILE: I ask the Treasurer - also the Minister for Emasculation of the upper House - a question without notice. Is it a fact that the "yes" and "no" republic referendum campaign will be launched in July for the Federal referendum on 6 November? Is it a fact that the "yes" and "no" cases with the slogan "Vote No" will confuse the voters of New South Wales if the proposed referendum is held in September with the upper House "yes" and "no" campaign also being held from July to September? Will the Treasurer postpone any proposed upper House referendum until 2003 in conjunction with the New South Wales State election in March of that year?

The Hon. M. R. EGAN: I did not follow the logic implicit in the honourable member’s question.

Reverend the Hon. F. J. Nile: They would be overlapping campaigns.

The Hon. M. R. EGAN: The people of New South Wales are able to distinguish between a referendum on a republic and a referendum to alter the powers and composition of the Legislative Council. I do not think there will be any confusion. The local government elections are a good opportunity to hold the referendum without inconveniencing people with a requirement to go to the polls on two separate occasions. However, at the end of the day that is a matter for the Parliament. I cannot impose my will upon the people of New South Wales, but I believe that they should be given the opportunity.

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The Hon. D. J. Gay: If it is any consolation, I think you’ve got it right.

The Hon. M. R. EGAN: I thank the Hon. D. J. Gay for his interjection. I value his judgment - he is a wise and experienced member of this Parliament, as is the Deputy Leader of the Opposition. He said that the Government got it right. I agree.