Page 554 - Week 03 - Tuesday, 20 March 1990
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The law reform unit has already commenced work on a number of law review projects. A review of ACT legislation dealing with public accountability through annual reports is nearing completion. The application of archaic New South Wales law in the ACT is being examined for continuing relevance. These laws will be repealed and, where appropriate, properly integrated into the body of ACT laws.
Laws should be simple. They should serve the people of the ACT community rather than frustrate their legitimate aims. I commend, and I trust all members of the Assembly will commend, the sentiments expressed by Mr Justice Connor, who was President of the Australian Law Reform Commission until 1987. He said:
When ordinary members of the community look at the law, what do they hope to find? I think they want something quite simple - they want the law to work - they want it to be able to be easily used. They do not want it to get in the way and frustrate them. They hope the law will help them achieve their other aspirations. They hope that, if they have to go to court, courts will be able quickly, efficiently and fairly to hear their cases and reach decisions that are acceptable and reasonable. They hope that, when they are in business, the law will help them carry out their business affairs efficiently and simply and does not impose undue burdens on them either as producers of goods or as consumers of them. They hope that the law will protect their individual human rights, such as the right to privacy, liberty and security, as well as their rights as members of groups.
In conclusion, these initiatives put beyond doubt the Alliance Government's commitment to good ACT government. My colleagues have heartily endorsed these initiatives and moreover, these initiatives will ensure a coherent and structured approach to the processes of ACT law reform for years to come in this Territory.
MR SPEAKER: Order! Mr Collaery, do you wish to present that statement?
MR COLLAERY: Yes, Mr Speaker. I move:
That the Assembly takes note of the paper.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
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