Page 1439 - Week 05 - Thursday, 13 May 1993

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Furthermore, the retrospective impact of the new methodology on transitional allowances previously assessed has greatly increased the size of the transitional adjustment the ACT is now expected to achieve. These aspects, and the significant steps the ACT has already made since self-government towards containing expenditure and improving revenue performance, provide a strong basis for negotiation with the Commonwealth.

Mr Deputy Speaker, the ACT's call for a ceiling of no more than 5 per cent real reduction in our grant in any one year is a realistic and sustainable strategy. In this way, we are seeking a fair and equitable transition, a transition which recognises that budget adjustments must be cost effective and sustainable over the medium to long term, a transition which recognises the exceptionally high degree of fiscal responsibility exercised and achieved in the three Labor budgets of the ACT since self-government. I present the following paper:

Commonwealth Grants Commission Report on General Relativities - Ministerial statement, 13 May 1993.

I move:

That the Assembly takes note of the paper.

Debate (on motion by Mr Kaine) adjourned.

EMERGENCY SERVICES

MR HUMPHRIES (3.34): Mr Deputy Speaker, I seek leave to move a motion concerning the conduct of an inquiry into emergency services in the ACT.

Leave granted.

MR HUMPHRIES: I move:

That:

(1) This Assembly calls on the Government to conduct an inquiry into the provision of emergency services in the Territory, including police, fire, ambulance and road rescue services.

(2) The terms of reference should have regard to past reviews and, in particular, the review of Fire and Emergency Services Group, Counter Disaster Planning, Disaster Planning and Disaster Recovery, currently being conducted by the Director of Fire and Emergency Services, and should include:

(a) determination of the most appropriate structure for the provision of services, including whether services should be collocated, consolidated or otherwise rationalised;

(b) the most appropriate level of service; and

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