Page 2821 - Week 10 - Wednesday, 14 August 1991
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .
As I said to the Assembly yesterday, ACTEW advised that its plant, in its existing form, cannot accurately dose the water supply and that it might cost as much as $200,000 to commission new equipment. I am advised that funding might not delay the commissioning, but it is the subject of ongoing consultation with the Department of Health and, of course, the money has to be found somewhere. It is a discretion for the Government to decide whether or not that funding will be supplied. However, it will become mandatory for the Government to provide that funding if the amendment to the Bill is passed requiring the Government to provide new equipment.
Again I raise the issue of section 65 of the Australian Capital Territory (Self-Government) Act in that context. I have said before, and I will say it again, that the Labor Party was never wedded to the former Government's position in relation to section 65; but it does raise, as I have said before, the issue of the conscience of members opposite. Do they want to take a consistent line, as they have done in the past on such issues as hospitals, schools, the human rights legislation and, I think, the Lakes (Amendment) Bill and seize upon section 65 as something that would stand in the way of their proceeding in this direction?
The Government, of course, is relaxed about the position. If they choose to proceed that way, it is on their own conscience. We are prepared to wear it and cop the decision of the Assembly on this matter. It would be something of a turnaround, but it would not be surprising. The Electricity and Water Authority have informed me that they are presently proceeding with the automation of the Stromlo water treatment plant and they intend to commission the new fluoride dosing equipment which will be capable of meeting a variety of dosing requirements within acceptable tolerances. They say that the commissioning of the equipment is likely to be achieved - - -
Consideration interrupted.
ADJOURNMENT
MADAM TEMPORARY DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! It being 4.30 pm, I propose the question:
That the Assembly do now adjourn.
Mr Berry: I require the question to be put forthwith without debate.
Question resolved in the negative.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .