Page 4793 - Week 15 - Thursday, 8 December 1994
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MADAM SPEAKER: Mr Stevenson, I will take your word for it. As you know, we subsequently reviewed that decision and everybody now has a mobile phone, should they seek to have one.
MR STEVENSON: I well understand - - -
MADAM SPEAKER: Is this a supplementary question?
MR STEVENSON: Yes, it is a supplementary question. I well understand that, but I have been waiting for a year and a half for the answer and that is not it. Why were female members of the Assembly considered to be more important than male members by the Labor Party, who wave the flag of anti-discrimination? That was the question. I have waited a year and a half. It is the last day of sitting. I will not be asking you a question next year. Perhaps you could let us know what the answer is.
MADAM SPEAKER: Mr Stevenson, your question has been answered. The request was made at the time by members who were concerned about their security. I was concerned about my own security. That was the priority accorded at the time. We then reviewed the decision and felt that all members should be accorded that extra bit of security, and it was done.
Rates Increases
MRS CARNELL: Madam Speaker, my question without notice is to the Chief Minister. The Chief Minister will be aware that the consumer price index for the ACT has increased by approximately 6.6 per cent over the last three years under this Labor Government. During the same time, however, general residential rates have increased by an average of 30.2 per cent. In fact, rates in the Chief Minister's own suburb of Downer have risen by 48 per cent. I ask, therefore, how the average Canberran living in Downer, for example, can afford to pay 48 per cent, or $245 a year, more in rates.
MS FOLLETT: Madam Speaker, I am absolutely astounded that Mrs Carnell would seek to ask this question, unless she deliberately wanted to embarrass Mr Kaine yet again.
Mrs Carnell: We are talking about the last three years. That is the increase over the last three years.
Mr De Domenico: The last three years, under your Government.
Mrs Carnell: Your Government. Nobody else.
MADAM SPEAKER: Order!
Mr Kaine: The rate percentage in your suburb has been the same every year as what we did.
MADAM SPEAKER: Order! Mr Kaine, let the Chief Minister answer the question.
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