Re: "Cummins calls for Speaker to resign over finance mess," July 31.
It is fitting that legislature Speaker Bill Barisoff finds his bathwater too hot these days; however, his protestations are difficult to hear, impaired as they are by the slamming desktops and stampeding feet of his fellow committee members as they exit the buildings.
Who are these committee members? Well, the act states the legislative assembly management committee is to consist of the following members of the legislative assembly:
"The Speaker; the minister; the government house leader; the chair of the government caucus; the opposition house leader; the chair of the official opposition caucus."
Among other duties, the powers and duties of the committee include "the appointment, supervision and management of staff" and "review of estimates of expenditure of the legislative assembly."
So where are the others who share the disgrace? Aren't they also responsible?
Those members may protest that "the committee may delegate any of its powers to the Speaker."
True, but the word is delegate - not abdicate.
Pat Parker
Victoria
