Page 4978 - Week 16 - Tuesday, 26 November 1991
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So, the efficiency of ACTION, compared to similar bodies in other States, will be something that, as a result of the initiative of the heads of government around Australia at the Adelaide conference on Friday, we will have more objective material on. That is something that has never really been done before and it is a very commendable achievement.
The comments that were made by various members about Erindale can be looked at. ACTION constantly monitor the route network and look at the level of demand, and if there is an appropriate level of demand it is something that I am sure ACTION will look at. The initiatives that ACTION have taken in relation to Tuggeranong services and new express services are significant. One of the major initiatives this year has been the opening of the Tuggeranong bus interchange. I would also note that park and ride has been so successful that we have had to double the number of parking spaces made available at Woden because people are taking advantage of that service.
MRS NOLAN (10.54): I had indicated that I was not going to speak to this Division 150, but I have to make a couple of quick comments as a result of the comments Mr Connolly has made. I have to say that that initiative by State Premiers is a good one, but it is rather difficult for us to compare our public transport system with public transport systems in other capital cities because in other capital cities there are many forms of public transport. Unfortunately, we have only one form here. It will be interesting to see how it compares.
The other issue that I do want to place on record is my concern in relation to school bus services. I think it is very important that schoolchildren have bus services and that those bus services are not such that children are travelling unsafely, with the load level far surpassing what is appropriate. That has happened on many occasions. I am aware of some quite long distance routes that children travel across Canberra where the load is far beyond the appropriate safety level. I think they have to be monitored on an ongoing basis. We must ensure child safety at all times.
Proposed expenditure agreed to.
Proposed expenditure - Division 160 - City Services, $88,099,000 - agreed to.
Proposed expenditure - Division 170 - Fire and Emergency Services, $15,361,700
MRS NOLAN (10.56): Again, Mr Speaker, very briefly, I must place on record the recent report that came out in relation to fire and emergency services. I am awfully pleased to see that the Government already has rejected much of that report. I would like to ask what it cost, because any report that comes out and recommends the closure of fire stations really has to be questioned.
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