Page 38 - Week 01 - Tuesday, 22 February 1994
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Let us be clear. I am sure it is abundantly clear to everybody from the Chief Minister's comments that not only are we capitalising on opportunities to increase public benefit but we are also providing the basis for future improvements. The Chief Minister has already provided an extensive outline of the provisions of the Public Sector Management Bill and has also provided examples of innovative approaches we have taken to maximise the benefit for the ACT community. We have also told Mr De Domenico very clearly in briefings - something that he applauded.
I would like to elaborate on two particular areas where we have provided direction and innovation - occupational health and safety, and industrial relations. In terms of occupational health and safety, we are keeping the best of existing practice by repeating the OH and S provisions of the Commonwealth Act in the Public Sector Management Bill. We believe that the issues are of such importance to workers that they should be included in the principal employment Act, which in our case will be the Public Sector Management Act. We have negotiated ongoing arrangements with Comcare that will ensure that our employees are afforded the best coverage delivered in the most effective way - - -
Mr De Domenico: Comcare? What a waste of money going through Comcare is!. A complete waste of money!
MR BERRY: The Government will continue to review arrangements - - -
Mrs Carnell: Give people a choice.
MADAM SPEAKER: Order! Mr Berry, I would like to bring members' attention to standing order 39, which says:
When a Member is speaking, no other Member may converse or make any noise or disturbance to interrupt that Member.
I believe that I have been very lenient in the application of that standing order. Perhaps we could just - - -
Mr Kaine: She is talking to you, Mr Lamont. You are sitting there with your back to the Chair and talking.
MADAM SPEAKER: Order! Perhaps we could reduce the amount of noise in the chamber so that I can hear Mr Berry. Mr Berry, proceed.
MR BERRY: Thank you, Madam Speaker. The Government will continue to review arrangements to ensure that they are provided in the most effective way. We will be able to provide elements of those services ourselves should it be proven that this is more effective. The public sector management standards also set out the consultative forums that we will apply in the ACT Government Service. We recognise that employees as well as the unions can contribute to decision making processes. Specific provision is made in the standards for staff consultation and broader management improvement initiatives that will ensure that effective decision making processes continue. Clearly, Madam Speaker, enterprise bargaining is another area where the ACT Government has provided
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