Page 2409 - Week 09 - Thursday, 17 September 1992
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Mr Connolly: Have an extension.
MR LAMONT: You will give me an extension for half an hour, I understand?
Mr Connolly: Absolutely.
MR LAMONT: Madam Speaker, I would draw to the attention of the Assembly the fact that this document lists 112 pieces of legislation. (Extension of time granted) We have seen in the life of this Assembly the introduction and substantial completion of over 55 pieces of legislation. It would be interesting to note, Madam Speaker, the number of pieces of legislation that were put through in the 12 months preceding July 1991. I stand to be corrected - I am sure that the adjournment debate this afternoon would allow the appropriate time for Mr Humphries to be able to look into it - but I understand that that number of pieces of legislation is double the work rate of the previous Alliance Government for a similar period of office.
Mr Cornwell: That is an absurd comparison to make. It really is absurd.
MR LAMONT: It probably is an absurd comparison to make when you consider that there now are only two members of the former Alliance Government in this Assembly. I did not wish to get into party politics, Mr Cornwell; all I - - -
Mr De Domenico: Of course not; you never do. Never let it be said.
MR LAMONT: Never. As I have been granted a short extension of time, Madam Speaker, there are other pieces of legislation that I would like to speak about. One is the amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1989. The responsible Minister has outlined some quite appropriate changes to the existing Act. Those opposite will have the time to get up and ring their own bells and make their own statements a little later on.
My colleague Ms Ellis has touched on a number of issues. The Parental Leave (Private Sector Employees) Bill is another Bill which at the moment is out for discussion within the community. I understand that members are receiving a great deal of representation about it. It will extend to the private sector, in non-award areas, as I understand it, conditions which are currently enjoyed by award-covered employees in the ACT. I believe that all members of the Assembly would support that. It is to ensure that all workers in the ACT are covered generally by exactly the same provisions as award employees. I believe that we will have great pleasure in debating some of the issues in that area on the floor of this Assembly in coming months.
Madam Speaker, a range of other matters have been brought to the attention of the Government and individual members in relation to fair trading Bills. I suppose that that is the best way to describe them. A number of proposed changes come within the Attorney-General, Minister for Housing and Community Services and Minister for Urban Services portfolios. A number of the proposed changes relate to long overdue reforms in some of these areas. I did notice, Madam Speaker, one particular matter which I am extremely pleased to see on the legislative program and which at least is up for discussion this sitting, and that is the professional driving instructors legislation. As you would be aware, prior to entering the Assembly I was intimately involved in the transport industry. One of the great advances that have been made in that industry has been the commencement of - - -
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