Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I think the other Members have already spoken that the way the recommendation stands it would do little to vote against it. However, in referring to item 8.22, I take the view that it requires the resignation of John Bayly and Lynda Sorensen and that the Premier should require that. I do not agree with that, Mr. Chairman.
I think credence should be given to the regret that has been expressed by both Mr. Bayly and Ms. Sorensen over what has transpired here. I do believe some of this, while not appropriate, came on them fairly fast and furious and somewhat inadvertently.
I think credence should also be given that Mr. Bayly offered to resign from his position. There has been no blemish on either of their records that I know of. Mr. Bayly is a respected lawyer who joined the Premier's office about a year and a half ago and he is extremely well-respected in the Territory. I do not think anyone would have thought that Mr. Bayly, even today, that Mr. Bayly would deliberately do something that would be illegal. I believe it happened somewhat inadvertently.
Ms. Sorensen has served the Premier for many years and has performed duties in this government for many years. I believe that should be respected as well.
On the matter of process, we should respect the fact that Ms. Sorensen and Mr. Bayly were denied the application for limited standing and I think that is an important point. There should be recognition that witnesses without counsel and standing could be compromised in those situations, Mr. Chairman.
As I stated, I do not support the quest that resignations be sought. I think there needs to be some understanding here of the need and freedom by all Members to have staff and that this may leave the impression, if we take this action, that many more staff may be subject, in the case of errors, may be subject to tremendous disciplinary action.
While I appreciate the need for disciplinary action as I stated, the Premier has given letters of reprimand to both individuals. I think we must be careful about demanding the resignations over the situation. Also, we must remember that it was the Deputy Premier who did the recording in this circumstance. In this case, she would have been the senior individual in the room at the time, and therefore certainly employees -- I am not suggesting that they do not have a responsibility -- but certainly employees may express some reservation on how to proceed.
Those are my comments in regard to this particular motion. Thank you.