Page 3575 - Week 14 - Tuesday, 8 December 1992
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Mr Kaine: I am having trouble believing you.
MR BERRY: This one is chiselled in stone. I think it will take a bit of rubbing out.
Mr De Domenico: On a point of order, Madam Speaker, I respectfully suggest that, as it is now a quarter to three, the Minister, or anybody else, instead of trying to play political games, should give members a chance to ask questions and have them answered, instead of carrying on in the way he attempts to do from time to time.
MADAM SPEAKER: Mr Berry, perhaps we could all refer to each other by our proper titles and you could continue to answer the question.
MR BERRY: I thank the recently honest Mr Humphries for his question. The establishment of a separate ACT Government Service has significant implications, not only for our transitional staff but also for the Government and the community generally. It is not a matter that can be rushed, and that is an indication I have made very clearly. If we lock ourselves into artificial deadlines, the proper consultation and negotiation process might not - - -
Mr Kaine: Why don't we set a target for the year 2000? We might achieve it by then.
MR BERRY: Do you want me to answer you? I am very happy to answer these questions, Mr Kaine, but it would be a little easier for all of us if I could do it without any interjections.
Mr Kaine: You still would not answer them.
MR BERRY: I have answered them very clearly and concisely thus far. If you want to have across-the-floor debate about the issues, I can stand here all day and do that. If you want an answer to the question, I will give it to you; but you are going to have to sit quietly and wait for it. It is not a matter that can be rushed, as I have suggested. We have to be assured that the interests not only of the people who would find themselves in a separate service but of the community generally are protected.
The Chief Minister, I am informed, has discussed the matter with the Prime Minister, and there are some issues that are of concern to the Chief Minister. The process of discussions will continue, and there seems to be a satisfactory resolution emerging. One thing that has to be sorted out is who pays for the process of establishing a separate public service. It does cost a lot of money, and you just do not come out and say, "Yes, we will cop the expense". There has to be discussion about those sorts of processes, and the Chief Minister has been involved in discussion with the Prime Minister about that.
The Chief Minister has indicated clearly that she will be moving towards the establishment of a separate ACT public service. When all the details are settled and all the necessary consultation and negotiation occur, a very clear and concise statement about the arrangements will be made to the Assembly.
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