Page 644 - Week 05 - Tuesday, 4 July 1989
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we propose will look to the logical and workable breakdown of ministerial tasks based upon the experience gained by the Assembly and its workings, with particular reference to the suggestions of the incumbent Ministers.
Only upon critical analysis of the task aided by this new current evidence so provided will the committee be able to make a meaningful recommendation as to the size of the Executive. Based on the evidence so provided, this Assembly will be in a position to influence deliberations on this matter, will seek to amend the Act, and so change the number of Ministers required to efficiently administer the Territory, if indeed change is recommended. It may be found that the situation as decreed is the best possible and that the powers retained by the Commonwealth are best left in its hands - then so be it. At least then this Assembly will be satisfied and the issues can be put to rest.
Mr Deputy Speaker, the question regarding the role and powers of the Governor-General is in no way meant to undermine the authority of His Excellency. The role and powers of the Governor-General have been embodied in the ACT (Self-Government) Act in a unique manner. Although not stated, the inference in the Act gives the power of veto to the Commonwealth Government via, one supposes, the Minister for Territories.
In all other Australian State parliaments assent to Bills is given in most cases by the Governor, or in some cases by the Queen. In the Northern Territory, an Administrator fills the role of Governor. However, the ACT Legislative Assembly Bills are not given assent. Once passed by this Assembly, these Bills immediately or at some predetermined time become law. However, the Governor-General can disallow or amend an Act at any time within six months after it is made. What a nonsense this could make of the good government of the Territory if powerful lobby groups gain the support of the Commonwealth Government some time after an Act has been implemented and thereby orchestrate an amendment or cancellation of a Bill via the good offices of the Governor-General - not that this is likely to happen. However, can safeguards be designed?
The existing Act, the ACT (Self-Government) Act, may effectively cause a six-month delay in the implementation of any legislation which is considered to be unwarranted or unacceptable to the Commonwealth Government, because the ACT Government is unlikely to risk the new procedures being rejected within months of their being implemented. Perhaps it is preferable for this Assembly to demand assent or rejection of Bills as soon as practical after they are passed and certainly before they are implemented. The proposed committee of inquiry report on this aspect will eagerly be awaited.
Another question which must be answered is: What is the hierarchical line of communication between the Assembly and
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