Page 1879 - Week 06 - Thursday, 2 May 1991
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Prior to self-government the Commonwealth utilised a system of corresponding law certificates. Under this system, films which were exempt from classification in New South Wales were also exempt in the ACT. Following self-government, the corresponding law system was inoperative under ACT law and there was no means of exempting films from the requirements of classification. This Bill allows the ACT Attorney-General, or a delegate, to grant exemptions to films which have already been exempted from classification under the New South Wales Film and Video Classification Act 1984. As such, it merely reinstates the practice which existed before self-government. Mr Speaker, I now present the explanatory memorandum for this Bill.
Debate (on motion by Mr Moore) adjourned.
MAGISTRATES AND CORONER'S COURTS (REGISTRAR) BILL 1991
MR COLLAERY (Attorney-General) (10.43): I present the Magistrates and Coroner's Courts (Registrar) Bill 1991. I move:
That this Bill be agreed to in principle.
This is a straightforward measure which will effect an important change in nomenclature by altering the title of the Clerk and Deputy Clerk of the ACT Magistrates and Coroner's Courts to Registrar and Deputy Registrar respectively. This change reflects a trend in the terminology of the office in all jurisdictions in Australia which will, in due course, bring the titles of these officers into line.
The change was recommended by a Commonwealth working party which carried out a comprehensive review of the operations and future directions of the Magistrates Court prior to the transfer of responsibility for the Magistrates Court to this Territory. The necessary legislation was not developed by the Commonwealth before the transfer to the Territory Government of administrative responsibility for the Magistrates Court.
"Registrar" is becoming the accepted term for the office and it carries connotations more appropriate to the office than that of "Clerk". I make no inferences in regard to any situation in this house. As the nomenclature of an office can have an important bearing on how an office is perceived, I believe that the change in name will enhance the authority of the Magistrates and Coroner's Courts. I present the explanatory memorandum for the Bill.
Debate (on motion by Mr Connolly) adjourned.
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