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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1996 Week 12 Hansard (19 November) . . Page.. 3766 ..

MR KAINE: Mr Speaker, I seek leave to make a personal explanation under standing order 46.

MR SPEAKER: Yes, proceed.

MR KAINE: Mr Speaker, in a short absence from the chamber during the recent debate I heard Mr Osborne make a suggestion to the Chief Minister about the portfolio of health and who might appropriately fill that appointment. I wanted to exhort the Chief Minister that, in the fullness of time, at any time in the future, having regard to the circumstances then pertaining and bearing in mind the exigencies of good government, if she deems it desirable to offer me a portfolio, she might ask me for an expression of interest rather than act on Mr Osborne's advice.

MS McRAE (4.53): Mr Speaker, I ask for leave to present the report of the Select Committee on Estimates 1996-97 and move a motion in relation to the report.

Leave granted.

MS McRAE: Pursuant to order, I present the report of the Select Committee on Estimates 1996-97, together with the minutes of proceedings. The report was provided to the Speaker for circulation on Monday, 5 November 1996, pursuant to the resolution of the Assembly of 28 August 1996. I move:

That the report be noted.

Mr Speaker, let me begin by first thanking my fellow committee members. The Estimates Committee is one of the most challenging of the Assembly committees. Not only is it the largest, with six members; but also all other non-Executive members who are not on the committee, in most cases, when granted leave, have leave to ask questions. It, therefore, makes it a committee where forbearance and tolerance are required from all concerned. Collectively, with the excellent support of the committee's secretary, we have produced a report which has fulfilled the responsibilities placed on the committee by the Assembly.

Today, in tabling this report, I would like to highlight the major concerns the committee had with the papers presented for scrutiny. I do not intend to offer an exhaustive or detailed account, as all members have had plenty of time to read the report and as everyone will have their own opinion on the issues that are raised. What I will do is canvass three broad themes - the quality of the budget documentation, the shortcomings of policy and other Government decisions that need improvement, and new initiatives that are recommended by the committee which will enhance the financial and total management of the ACT.

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