Page 1999 - Week 07 - Thursday, 17 June 1993
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Consequently, groups which suffer various levels of disadvantage included migrants, Aboriginal and Islanders, young people, those with disabilities and those with limited income but not qualifying for legal aid.
We heard extensively from the ACT Attorney-General's Department, whose representatives listed a large number of barriers which frustrate community access to justice.
In conclusion, Mr Deputy Speaker, obviously the current situation is less than desirable, and society faces an enormous challenge to achieve social justice and equity in access to the legal system for all people. Finally, Mr Deputy Speaker, I wish to thank my fellow committee members for their work on this particular inquiry. I thank also the committee secretary, Ms Judy Starcevich, and Karen Pearce, who provided administrative support.
MR LAMONT (11.15): I also have much pleasure in rising to comment very briefly on this report of the Legal Affairs Committee. I note that, notwithstanding the addition of another member to the committee, we have been able to produce two reports in a relatively short period of time. It may also be interesting to note that, notwithstanding Mr Moore's involvement on another committee, that committee also has been able to produce two reports. You can draw your own conclusions from that. The simple position is that the greater the participation in the committees of the Assembly the more effectively they work. Both Mr Humphries and I, as the only two nominees to this committee since the inception of the Assembly, most certainly wish to draw that to Ms Szuty's attention.
Mr Kaine: Like the ACT public service committee. The greater the participation the better.
MR LAMONT: Mr Kaine may suggest that the more lack of participation the better. That may be the way that he structured some of his committees when he was Chief Minister. It is certainly not a position that we adopt these days.
Mr Kaine: No. I was saying that that is your view in connection with the proposed committee on the ACT public service - lesser participation is better. That is your view. We have the Chief Minister's amendment to that effect.
MR LAMONT: All I would suggest, Mr Kaine, is that this may also be another difficulty for you, but I understand that your party has just agreed with the proposition.
The Legal Affairs Committee, in inquiring into access to justice in the ACT, identified significant issues that need further detailed consideration. One of the areas that I would like to concentrate on in the brief time allowed to me this morning is the use of modern technologies, or the non-use of modern technologies, in the provision of records and information. I believe that one matter that it is essential we review and come to conclusions on fairly quickly is the matter of procedures to enhance the ability of the court system and the system of administration of justice in the ACT to deal with information that this Assembly may require when it considers the introduction of new legislation.
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