Page 2661 - Week 09 - Wednesday, 25 August 1993
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .
It seems to me that one of the problems with just putting smoke detectors into houses willy-nilly is that when people do not feel an ownership over a concept or an idea it is less likely to be treated in an appropriate way. Perhaps people who rely on it become a little more careless rather than a little more careful, and it is more care that Mr Cornwell is interested in. Mr Cornwell has raised this issue and has drawn it to the Minister's attention. It seems to me that the amendment supports the thrust of what Mr Cornwell is trying to achieve and will be a positive contribution to the debate and to moving closer to safer and more appropriate protection for people. For that reason, Madam Speaker, I am delighted to support the amendment put by Mr Connolly and to congratulate Mr Cornwell for the spirit in which he has brought this to the Assembly's attention and for what he is trying to achieve here.
MR CORNWELL (12.25), in reply: Madam Speaker, the Opposition is happy to accept Mr Connolly's amendment. As Mr Moore rightly said, this has raised the profile of the whole question of fire safety in the Territory. I am very pleased with the fact that the media has seen fit to highlight it. I believe that we have a responsibility in this Assembly to promote matters of this nature and we do need the cooperation of the media in doing so.
I would hope that the matter of incorporating fire safety into the building standards right across Australia could be addressed. I believe that we have a specific problem here because of our cold winters. Perhaps that is a matter that could be looked at even so far as the ACT itself is concerned. I do admit, however, that there are other problems associated with that because it does depend on the overall cost and what that may add to the cost of a new home.
I am happy to accept the Minister's assurance that they will investigate the question of trying to bulk purchase these existing $12 smoke detectors, to see whether they can get the price lower and provide them to Housing Trust tenants, obviously at a cheaper rate. I accept the argument, as all Liberals would, that what you are given for nothing you do not necessarily appreciate as much as that which you have worked for or paid for. I think that that is an important point. Like Mr Connolly I, from time to time, am obliged to take the smoke detector down from the wall because it is going off, undoubtedly because of the oven, and that is fine. I can understand that many people would do that. I also accept that others may find it an irritant and, having taken it down, not put it back. These are matters that I think need to be considered. I am happy with Mr Connolly's amendment and the Opposition will accept it.
Amendment agreed to.
Motion, as amended, agreed to.
UNPARLIAMENTARY LANGUAGE
MADAM SPEAKER: Members, may I just point out that on 12 August I did allow the use of the word "hypocrite".
Sitting suspended from 12.28 to 2.15 pm
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .