Page 5593 - Week 17 - Wednesday, 4 December 1991
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For example, we could have a large industry in the ACT, maybe one that is not here now, that could have been causing, could continue to be causing, major environmental damage. Obviously, the management of that organisation may want to protect its interests in the face of what could be negligence claims, and it may have in its records information that it would not voluntarily release. It is that sort of circumstance that is being encompassed in this Bill. In a different case, there may be a circumstance where someone has declined to show a pecuniary interest in some very important matter, and this provision is necessary to elicit that information.
Let me repeat - I think it is important to do so - that the intention of these clauses is to provide for inquiries into matters of major import. They are not the day-to-day matters that may have been suggested. The thought that someone with "SS" written on their T-shirt, or whatever was suggested, is going to go into any person's home is simply not sustainable.
MR JENSEN (6.28): I think we have to be very careful here in relation to what we are talking about and what sorts of inquiries can be conducted. As I read this part of the Bill, it refers to a defined decision. An inquiry can be conducted into a defined decision. I had that a minute ago.
Mr Moore: On page 51, clause 110.
MR JENSEN: Thank you. It says:
"defined decision" means a decision of the Territory, the Executive, a Minister or a Territory authority about a proposal, being a proposal in relation to which a Minister is empowered under Part II -
which in fact is clause 18 -
V -
which is in fact clauses 165 and 198 -
or VI -
which is clause 229 -
... ... ...
(a) to direct that an Assessment be made; or
(b) to establish a panel to conduct an Inquiry
... ... ...
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