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Ms Follett: It may not have been tobacco.

MR BERRY: It may not have been tobacco, but I think it was. We can expect more from the tobacco companies, because it is in their interests to get somebody to smoke just that first cigarette.

Mr Speaker, I think I should add that I am starting to warm to this collegiate friendship in this place, and I am trying to think up a few more motions to move today where I can gather all of this support. This is much better than being in the minority. The warm inner glow you get from this sort of collegiate friendship is beyond description.

MR SPEAKER: You are telling me, Mr Berry!

MR BERRY: All it urges me to do is to make sure that we get nine the next time. I am not sure that the motions I am likely to come up with will earn the undying support of everybody in the place, but at least it has been a good start today. Mr Osborne has given me 100 per cent support. I hope that we can continue that. I am sure that it will grow into a productive relationship, if we can start off with 100 per cent. I thank members for their support on this motion.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

A.C.T.I.O.N. - CORPORATISATION

MS HORODNY (11.30): Mr Speaker, I move:

That the Government must receive the support of the Assembly before taking any measures towards corporatisation of ACTION, the leasing of any part of ACTION services, or giving approval to any other operators for the provision of regular scheduled public transport services within the ACT.

The provision of public transport in the ACT has been the subject of much debate over the years. Recently, we have had significant research into future transport options for Canberra. Public transport must be a significant part of any future transport options for the ACT. Although there have been many criticisms levelled at ACTION over the years, ACTION buses are likely to be the core of public transport provision. My motion is directed at ensuring that any proposed solution to problems that may afflict ACTION that changes the nature and operating environment of ACTION will be brought to the Assembly for full and proper debate. The intention of this motion is not to stop the Government from investigating and putting forward options for ACTION and other forms of public transport. Indeed, the Greens welcome debate on this issue and seek to be included.

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