Page 1161 - Week 05 - Wednesday, 24 June 1992
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Detail Stage
Clause 1 agreed to.
Clause 2 agreed to.
Clause 3 negatived.
Clause 4
MS SZUTY (11.21): I move:
Paragraph (b), omit the paragraph, substitute the following paragraph: "(b) by inserting in paragraph 5(a), after "further period", the words "(not exceeding 56 days)".
I believe that it is in the interests of this Assembly that we compromise on this matter. The existing legislation allows 28 days for payment of fines. Mr Westende has proposed in his amendment to the Motor Traffic Act 1936 that that period of 28 days be extended indefinitely. The effect of the amendment will be to extend the period to 56 days. As Mr Connolly has foreshadowed, a review of traffic fines is coming before this Assembly in the near future. However, in the interests of the Assembly, I think the acceptance of this amendment to change the period for payment from 28 days to 56 days is sensible.
MR HUMPHRIES (11.22): Madam Speaker, I think the Opposition will accept this amendment. I still would argue that it is a bit woolly-headed. It provides an extension of time for a limited period, and I repeat my question: Why should citizens of the Territory not be entitled to a further discretion than that? What reason is there not to have a further discretion? We would all accept on social justice grounds that circumstances could exist where there ought to be an extension beyond 56 days. I cannot see why we cannot accept that; but, if that is wish of the Assembly, so be it.
MR CONNOLLY (Attorney-General, Minister for Housing and Community Services and Minister for Urban Services) (11.23): The Government will not be supporting this amendment. We prefer to leave the whole matter alone. Certainly, if it is supported by the majority of members, it provides a far more sensible solution than that originally proposed.
Amendment agreed to.
Clause, as amended, agreed to.
Title agreed to.
Bill, as amended, agreed to.
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