Page 2727 - Week 11 - Tuesday, 20 October 1992
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If there are special grounds, such as ill health or disability, or where a simple application of a ruler to a map would indicate that they are within one kilometre but in fact there is no safe and practical route to school within that one kilometre, we will reassess. To date we have received 16 reapplications, and they are all being considered on merit. If any parents feel as though fair merit consideration is not being given to their application, I would ask them to contact my office, and we will ensure that every case is looked at on its merits. The overall policy driving this is to ensure that the government contribution is well focused and that people who need the service are getting it, but that we are not providing free bus passes to those who, for example, live opposite a school.
MS SZUTY: I ask a supplementary question, Madam Speaker. Mr Connolly, why has this change been implemented at the start of term four in 1992 instead of at the start of term one, 1993, which would have been of greater convenience for parents and students?
MR CONNOLLY: Well, Madam Speaker, when do you start any service? We made a decision during the budget process. The advertisements went into the Canberra Times, the Chronicle and the Valley View between 11 and 22 August. We had a fair period of notice and we believe that it was sensible to start at the final term this year. Had we decided to start at the first term next year we, no doubt, would have been criticised for doing it at the beginning of the school year whereas we should have left it until the middle of the school year. When you start these programs is always a question of judgment.
Agency Heads - Selection Process
MR HUMPHRIES: My question is to the Chief Minister. I refer the Chief Minister to the Electoral Bill which she presented in the Assembly last week, and in particular to the provisions of the Bill which deal with the appointment of a chairperson of the Electoral Commission. Given that the chairperson of the commission is a position of considerably more sensitivity, arguably, than either of the other positions that have been mentioned already today in question time, will the Chief Minister guarantee to the Assembly that the selection committee which is to choose the chairperson of the commission will not contain either a staff member of any Minister in her Government, or otherwise any person who is a member of a political party?
Mr Berry: I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. The question that Mr Humphries asks seems to me to anticipate discussion of a matter which is already before the chamber. It is largely hypothetical. The Bill has not been passed. It strikes me that Mr Humphries's question anticipates discussion of the issue. Perhaps he might be patient enough to wait until the debate - - -
Mr Kaine: Are you a bit sensitive about it, Wayne?
Mr Berry: No, not at all. Although I know that he is long rested, he might be patient enough to wait until the Bill is discussed. Subsequent to that he might wish to raise questions about the particular parts of the Bill which relate to the issue that he raises, if they happen to be passed. It is largely hypothetical.
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