Page 726 - Week 03 - Thursday, 22 March 1990
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because of a time frame, perhaps, or special family needs - are having to put in substantial amounts of their own money - money that they should not have to. Mrs Grassby knows that. I am amazed that people want to take cheap political points on such an issue of public health.
I am sure that if we had not acted as we have, Mrs Grassby would have been reaping the whirlwind of future complaints and requests for compensation from people who have been severely and adversely affected by the fact that they have had asbestos in their homes. Anyway, as I said, I think the fact that we have raised the private limit from $35,000 to $40,000 indicates the amount of concern which this Government has over this very important health issue. Once again, I just reiterate the fact that I am annoyed that people can use a matter of public health as a simple effort to try to take political points. We have not tried to make points out of the asbestos program. We have acknowledged that the previous Government under its administration - - -
Mr Collaery: On a point of order, Mr Speaker; there are a lot of noises coming from the kitchen over there. We are not selling pizzas here and - - -
MR SPEAKER: Order, Mr Collaery. Do not debate the issue. If you have a point of order, give the point of order number and a few words from the context. Please proceed, Mr Duby.
MR DUBY: Thank you, Mr Speaker. I was starting to get a bit thrown out there by the noise from the other end of the wood.
As I said, we have acknowledged that through its administration the previous Government had set standards which simply cannot be interfered with. We have continued those standards and refined them and we have no intention of lowering those standards just to penny pinch and try to save money when it is against the health of various people.
We also note that there were earlier private removal jobs that were cleared and authorised by the previous Government. It would now appear that this Government will have to pay for double the cost. Nevertheless, we always remain ready to look at ways we can reduce the cost to the taxpayer here in the ACT of the removal of asbestos and - - -
MR SPEAKER: Time, Mr Duby.
MR DUBY: The key point I just want to say is that the Alliance Government is committed to getting the asbestos program finished.
Mr Berry: He has not sought leave.
Mr Jensen: I seek an extension of time for Mr - - -
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