Minimum Drinking Age Vote Clarified

The House has been told that as a result of a proxy vote being mistakingly cast for the ayes and noes, the actual vote for the minimum drinking age being set at 18 was 59 for with 54 against.

The change did not change the outcome, but did bring about some amusing exchanges.

The correction came as the House whipped through the issues section of the Sale of Liquor Amendment (no 2) Bill amidst raucous scenes, mostly of good humour.

A remark from the Chair, Geoff Braybrooke, that he did not need the advice of Michael Cullen on a matter of order was greeted with loud cheers from National ranks. However it did turn out that Dr Cullen’s advice was necessary as Mr Braybrooke had amid the confusion ruled incorrectly that the vote in question was 59 to 55.

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