Page 1026 - Week 04 - Wednesday, 20 April 1994
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MR MOORE (10.55): Perhaps the most important aspect of this amendment, Madam Speaker, is that the Government can take the flak. The principle is that we effectively appoint the Government, allow the Government control of the money and monitor how they use it. We ensure accountability in that way, but it is reasonable that the Government operate by dealing with the money in the way that they think most appropriate. That being the case, Madam Speaker, this amendment that Mr Connolly has moved is acceptable as far as I am concerned. I have certainly discussed it with Mrs Carnell - and, I think, Mr Humphries, but perhaps not. I certainly discussed it with the Liberals, and I am quite pleased to accept that it is the appropriate way to go. More important, Madam Speaker, is the notion that a move like this - which is, to the best of my knowledge, unprecedented - has widespread support. It is just another way in which our Assembly is ensuring the utmost accountability, not only from the Government but also from the Assembly, so that the people can see clearly and simply what has been done.
Mr Connolly drew attention to the fact that this is a simple mechanism and that technically we already have this power. Madam Speaker, that is quite correct. I recall introducing a Bill on insulation. That was the one that Professor Whalan referred to as a Henry VIII Bill. He was delighted that he had finally come across one whereby we effectively took power away from a Minister, made a law and then gave back to the Minister the power to change it, should - in that case - he so desire. Of course, that was a very cumbersome mechanism to achieve this sort of goal. It is far more effective for us to be able to take a regulation that is introduced by a Minister, suggest modifications to it and have the Assembly consider those modifications. Madam Speaker, I am delighted that the Government is prepared to accept that principle and has moved this very sensible amendment.
MR HUMPHRIES (10.58): Madam Speaker, I want to record the Opposition's support for both of these amendments and for the Bill as a whole. The Bill will enhance and better define the powers of the Assembly in respect of these matters and give the Assembly the power to deal with some issues which in the past it has been able to deal with inflexibly and to ensure that the appropriate level of accountability which we all expect in this place is maintained.
Amendment agreed to.
Remainder of Bill, as a whole, as amended, agreed to.
Bill, as amended, agreed to.
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