Page 2698 - Week 09 - Wednesday, 25 August 1993
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The Supreme Court sat in the local school. At that stage Christmas Island was operating a phosphate mine and the overwhelming majority of the population were persons from Malaysia. We were sitting in the local trade school. The younger students were, I think, most amused by the sight of the judge in full wig and gown, the barristers in full wigs and gowns and the associate in full wig and gown parading across the parade ground at the local school to take up full ceremonial standing as the Supreme Court of Christmas Island in the local gymnasium.
Mrs Grassby: Terry, they thought it was a fancy-dress party.
MR CONNOLLY: I am sure, Mrs Grassby, that they did think it was something of a fancy dress party, particularly as the temperature was about 35 degrees and the humidity was about 98 per cent. So there are Supreme Courts of those jurisdictions. As for the issue of references to "Attorney of a Territory", the only one that I can think of is Norfolk Island, but I will check on that. Again, I thank the Opposition for their support.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
Bill agreed to in principle.
Leave granted to dispense with the detail stage.
Bill agreed to.
ANIMAL DISEASES BILL 1993
Debate resumed from 17 June 1993, on motion by Mr Wood:
That this Bill be agreed to in principle.
MR WESTENDE (4.32): Madam Speaker, the Opposition supports the latest amendment to this legislation. We were a little surprised that the Government had not consulted some fairly key organisations in its drafting of the Bill, even though we had raised this matter on a number of occasions. It is yet another example of lack of consultation by the Government. We forwarded copies of the Bill to four organisations, all of which commented that it was the first time they were aware of it. Perhaps the Government should prepare a list of organisations so that Bills affecting those organisations can be automatically circulated. In fairness to the Minister, I must say that when our concerns were communicated to him he took them on board and agreed that an amendment would be incorporated into the Bill. In the detail stage of the Bill, we look forward to such an amendment to subclause 5(1) to appoint a veterinary surgeon.
The other area of concern is Part III, clause 19, regarding the removal of refuse. We would like the Minister's assurance that, where doubt exists, he will apply the same compensation mechanism as exists under clause 18. To date, Australia has been pretty lucky in not having had any serious outbreaks of animal diseases, but we cannot take that matter for granted. It is therefore important to have proper laws in place and that they be properly administered. This, of course, involves the cooperation of government agencies and private organisations.
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