Page 495 - Week 02 - Thursday, 14 May 1992
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Already the Government has responded to these demands by providing an additional neighbourhood house in the suburb of Conder, which will be completed by early 1993. The provision of this new neighbourhood house in Conder illustrates this Government's recognition that we must provide resources and facilities while new areas are developing and not ignore or forget the continuing needs of the community. "Voices from the Valley" will also prove invaluable in providing community comment for consideration by Government when planning similar community facilities in the newer areas of the ACT, for example, in Gungahlin.
Tuggeranong, like Gungahlin, will continue to grow at a rapid rate, and as a member of this Assembly I intend to support and assist Tuggeranong Link whenever necessary. I will be meeting with the coordinator, Vivienne Joyce, next Friday, and will keep the Assembly informed of the continuing work of this group. Madam Speaker, I again congratulate Kerryn Tink, her team and the dedicated workers of Tuggeranong Link, and I commend the report to members of this Assembly.
Unparliamentary Language
MR WOOD (Minister for Education and Training, Minister for the Arts and Minister for the Environment, Land and Planning) (4.34): Madam Speaker, I want to speak briefly about events here on Tuesday when, in a debate, reference was made to the "storm-trooper" nature of a certain public servant. I think there was a significant element of jocularity in the debate at that time, certainly by some government members. I think it was the Chief Minister who got the call as we endeavoured to defend that public servant. However, there are no provisions in our standing orders for any remarks concerning public servants to be withdrawn, and I do not have any complaint about that.
I simply want to put on record that if there was any serious intent, and I do not know that there was, it is certainly not the case in respect of this very senior and very respected public servant who is a senior officer in my department. In any event, that officer, in the discussions that were going on, was acting under my instructions and was carrying out government policy. If there is to be any criticism at any time, I am more than happy to participate in that sort of debate.
Unparliamentary Language
MR HUMPHRIES (4.36): Madam Speaker, the Minister rising on that matter puts me in mind of making a few comments as well, on the same subject, broadly speaking. I was a bit disturbed by that exchange, for a couple of reasons. I will not go into my thoughts on the actual words spoken; but I will say that, as the Minister has pointed out, there is no standing order requiring that words of that kind be withdrawn. Certainly, there are standing orders dealing with imputations against members - - -
Ms Follett: Standing order 54, offensive words.
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