Page 2388 - Week 11 - Thursday, 2 November 1989
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I often think our frustrations with the Government stem from feelings that we cannot change something that is happening; we are just asking questions. But I think that this Estimates Committee has given us the ability to understand what is likely to happen next year and an insight into the following years. That is why I shall look forward to the next Estimates Committee that I am involved in next year.
MR STEFANIAK (11.40): Firstly, I would like to endorse all the remarks in relation to all the staff who assisted: the Assembly staff, the committee staff and, indeed, the Hansard staff. It was a mammoth task. I would also like to commend Mr Jensen for the great amount of work he put in and the dedication he gave to the task. I will comment on only a couple of areas.
I was very concerned about one matter which indeed I brought to the committee's attention - that is, the legal aid figures. I think that only about three of the figures included initially were correct. I would wholeheartedly endorse the comments made on page 12 of the report in relation to the Legal Aid Office. That is certainly something that the Government should take on board to ensure that the situation does not happen again. It really was quite embarrassing for all concerned.
Secondly, I note the reference to asbestos on page 19. This question has raised its head again recently in the Assembly. I would certainly commend to both the Chief Minister and her Minister for Housing and Urban Services that this Government seek a commitment from the Commonwealth to accept full financial responsibility for the removal of asbestos.
We have recently seen a doubling of the cost of removing it to, I think, a minimum of $46,000. This is a cost the Territory can ill afford. Again I remind Mrs Grassby, as I have on a number of occasions over the past few months, that it was put in houses during the time the Commonwealth had responsibility in the Territory and the Commonwealth was responsible for issuing certificates of fitness. I wholeheartedly endorse the committee recommendation on page 19 in relation to asbestos and would ask that the Government do all it can to ensure that the Commonwealth takes responsibility.
Debate (on motion by Ms Follett) adjourned.
DAY OF NEXT MEETING
Motion (by Ms Follett) agreed to:
That the Assembly, at its rising, adjourn until Tuesday, 14 November 1989, unless the Speaker
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