Page 4034 - Week 14 - Wednesday, 24 October 1990
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They will submerge their own integrity and vote along party lines. There was an exception in this Assembly when Dr Kinloch voted against school closures. It is unfortunate that, until we teach values, set an example of values in parliament and, throughout our society, teach obligations and responsibility rather than so-called rights, we will not change the situation. Until we do that, we will not prevent crime; rather, we will increase it.
MR STEFANIAK (11.57): I indicate to Mr Stevenson that, despite the sentiment expressed in some of his points, the Government will be opposing the motion on the basis that it is premature. Mr Collaery mentioned a number of points. I will be speaking mainly in relation to the financial arrangements, Mr Speaker. He mentioned a very specific review that is being carried out by Frank Small and Associates. It is a very detailed review that covers, I think, all the points that were made by Mr Moore in his motion. The review has been operating, if my memory serves me correctly, since about April of this year, and information is being progressively released. Mr Collaery has indicated that some of that information has been released already.
The financial arrangements have to be considered, and there will be a review of them again in November and December. That will be a very crucial review. For that reason alone, Mr Moore's motion is premature. Mr Moore's motion, which might need a bit of tidying up, may well become relevant early next year, as other members have said today. It might be put on in March next year, after a few events have occurred; but at this stage, Mr Speaker, it is premature.
The financial arrangements for ACT policing are included in the arrangement between the Commonwealth and ACT governments. The total cost of ACT policing this financial year is based on 1989-90 levels, with provision for indexation. The budget provides for expenditure of $54.68m in this financial year. The general revenue grant that was paid to the ACT was supplemented by an equal amount. That also included superannuation costs for policing, which are quite substantial. The arrangement recognised Commonwealth financial responsibility for any higher than State level costs attributable to the Commonwealth's retention of powers over salary levels, and terms and conditions of employment, including superannuation. Compensation for those costs will be assessed in accordance with the findings of the Commonwealth Grants Commission, along with compensation for other disability factors normally assessed by the commission.
The arrangement formally recognises a Commonwealth commitment to the ACT that any specific transition problems encountered in the provision of policing will be taken into account in determining general transition arrangements for this year and the next financial year. ACT policing has previously been reviewed by the commission, and it will be reviewed again in November-December this year. Concerns
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