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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1996 Week 9 Hansard (29 August) . . Page.. 2787 ..

MR STEFANIAK (continuing):

Ms McRae, as you should be aware, that is being canvassed, and was first mooted, to my knowledge, last year, is a joint campus. That is something that I understand both boards are looking at. The department also is looking at it. If both boards agree to that, they would assist as required.

Mr Berry: Are you going to ask the community? Ask the community, like you did the Charnwood community.

MR STEFANIAK: Why don't you shut up, Mr Berry? You might learn something.

MR SPEAKER: Order! Mr Stefaniak is answering Ms McRae's question.

MR STEFANIAK: Thank you, Mr Speaker. Obviously, that is one of the options, and that is one of the options which the college communities themselves are talking about. It has been raised by the college communities and they are considering it. I would reiterate, though, that the recent information I have in relation to both colleges is that both are very viable colleges. I would like, once again, to say congratulations to Stirling on a remarkable turnaround in terms of new students. Both colleges offer very viable programs and are an essential part of our education system, but they are currently looking at what would best serve those respective college communities.

MS McRAE: I have a supplementary question, Mr Speaker. Can you confirm that no decision has been made and that there will be no changes to Stirling or Phillip next year?

MR STEFANIAK: That is really entirely a matter for the two college communities, Ms McRae. That is very much a matter for the communities at both colleges and their boards. As far as I am concerned as Minister, I certainly have not made any decisions as to the future of those two colleges. I have fairly regular contact with the boards of those colleges. I have had several meetings over the past 12 months with members of the college boards. They keep me up to date in terms of what they are doing. It is very much a matter for the college communities themselves, and especially the boards, when they have further discussions, which I understand they are doing, in relation to the future of both of those colleges.

MR OSBORNE: My question is to the Minister for Police, Mr Humphries. Minister, you will recall that in September last year the Legal Affairs Committee presented a report to this Assembly which recommended that the ACT Government consult with the Commonwealth Government to change legislation to provide for the statutory appointment of an ACT police commissioner by mid-1996. I am aware that there has been a change of government up on the hill. However, could you tell us what is holding up this piece of legislation and whether you have had any discussions with the Federal Attorney-General? When do you think the ACT will have a police commissioner accountable to the Assembly and to the ACT people?

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