Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .

Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1995 Week 7 Hansard (17 October) . . Page.. 1723 ..

MR STEFANIAK (continuing):

process, was prepared to go along with that. So, we now have this four-week period where staff have some more time. I think some of the staff will be going into Quamby, and that is in accordance with an agreement reached and filed with the Industrial Relations Commission.

MR BERRY: Mr Speaker, the Industrial Relations Commission does not act unilaterally - - -

MR SPEAKER: Is this a supplementary question, Mr Berry, or are you having a private discussion with me?

MR BERRY: No, I would not waste my time, Mr Speaker. I am sure that you still would not vote for me.

MR SPEAKER: Be very careful. You have a supplementary question to Mr Stefaniak.

MR BERRY: I would like the Minister to explain what his role was in the speedy transfer of the Kaleen Youth Shelter staff and why he wanted the Kaleen Youth Shelter handed over to the private sector so quickly. What was the big hurry?

MR STEFANIAK: Mr Berry, as I indicated, this matter has been going on since June. I believe that the department has acted very properly throughout. In fact, I think it has always done everything, with my concurrence, to look after the best interests of the workers. Indeed, the tender process was part of that.

Ms McRae: Not in June it was not.

MR STEFANIAK: Not in June it was not, but they wanted a tender process and we gave them a tender process. The department and I have done everything to ensure that the interests of the workers have been looked after throughout this process.

Ms McRae: That is why the Industrial Relations Commission had to be called in; yes, good.

MR STEFANIAK: I think, Mr Speaker, a lot of politics is being played by the other side here and, sadly, by the CPSU in recent weeks, to the detriment of the kids at the shelter.

MS HORODNY: My question is to the Minister for Urban Services, Mr De Domenico, and relates to the closure of the Ainslie Transfer Station. As the Minister would be aware, two businesses have been operating at the transfer station. One of them is a small mulching business. Has the Government offered these businesses the option of operating elsewhere after the closure of the transfer station and, if not, why not?

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .