Page 2598 - Week 09 - Thursday, 8 August 1991
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ABC Television News
MR MOORE: My question is to the Chief Minister. I refer to a front page article in the Canberra Times today headed "ABC to axe ACT TV news". What action is your Government proposing to take to influence the board of the ABC to the view that ABC television news is a vital part of a healthy Canberra?
MS FOLLETT: I thank Mr Moore for the question because I think it is an important matter for our local community in making sure that they are fully informed on issues that affect them. Mr Moore has asked what action I will take in attempting to influence the ABC board. The answer is that that is not the appropriate way for me as a head of government to take up this issue. Whilst I would be very disappointed indeed at any decision to axe the ABC's ACT television news or their radio news service, I think the appropriate method is for me to take up that issue with the Federal Minister responsible, and I am only too happy to do that.
I did take the opportunity whilst I was in Hobart to speak informally with Mr Beazley - informally, but fairly forcefully - on the value of the ABC service to our local region. I am happy to write to him now to reiterate the points I made at that time. The issue remains the responsibility of the Commonwealth and I am reluctant to cut across that responsibility. I am, however, quite happy to take it up with the Commonwealth Government.
Member's Travel Costs
MR COLLAERY: Mr Speaker, my question is to the Treasurer and Chief Minister. To your knowledge, have any government funds been applied towards the travel costs of any member of this Assembly as distinct from a member of the Executive?
MS FOLLETT: I presume that Mr Collaery is following up on a question he asked of you yesterday, Mr Speaker, in relation to Mr Moore's return to Canberra to take part in the sitting of the Assembly on 21 June. Mr Collaery nods. The answer to Mr Collaery's question is yes, and I will explain the circumstances to the Assembly. The special adjournment motion that was passed by the Assembly on 6 June of this year provided for the Assembly to adjourn until a date and hour to be fixed by the Speaker, either at the request of the Chief Minister or on receipt of a request from an absolute majority of members. So, there were two situations envisaged there.
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