From Alan Hall.
YOU published a letter (JEP, 3 November) from Terry Noel (a States employee staff representative) who, in his own time, attended the States debate on the proposal to restore the public sector’s rights to free collective bargaining.
His description of the way that the politicians conducted themselves that day was a real eye-opener. His observations included that:
• He was the subject of a derogatory comment from an unnamed Constable who stated that staff representatives should be using their time more efficiently, rather than attending States debates.
• Many politicians drifted in and out of the debate, missing out on potentially important detail.
• At least six members were tapping away on their Blackberry devices, showing complete lack of interest in individuals speaking.
• Some other members were reading national papers and then the JEP.
The Chief Minister, after giving his speech for the day to the House, displayed contempt for Deputy Southern by walking out as he stood up to say his bit.
The very next day (Wednesday 4 November), the JEP reported that the States unanimously refused to list absentee Senator Stuart Syvret as ‘excused’ from the sitting.
The article continued by stating that Senator Ben Shenton asked Privileges and Procedures to investigate the behaviour of the absent Senator, which he described as discourteous to both the House and the electorate.
Based on Mr Noel’s observations, it would appear that there are numerous States Members who are being discourteous to fellow politicians and the electorate.
This is certainly not the behaviour that I expected from our States representatives when I cast my vote at the last election. Perhaps Privileges and Procedures should investigate these members also?
