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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1996 Week 12 Hansard (19 November) . . Page.. 3780 ..

MR HIRD (continuing):

I turn to policing, Mr Speaker. Once again, the Estimates Committee has referred to the need to stress to the Commonwealth this parliament's desire to appoint a separate police commissioner for the ACT. Whilst the Australian Federal Police is doing a good job policing the Territory, it comes under the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth Parliament, which puts the commissioner in the compromising position of having dual responsibilities. This creates its own problems in situations such as the recent riots at Parliament House. I was surprised to learn that the Federal Attorney-General had denied the wishes of this parliament that an ACT commissioner be appointed, with sole responsibility for policing in the Territory. Mr Speaker, the Estimates Committee has recommended that we continue to negotiate with the Commonwealth over the AFP's accountability to the ACT. I commend that recommendation to the parliament.

I turn now to superannuation. Whilst the Government has responded to the challenge posed by rising unemployment and low economic growth with a budget strategy for enhancing investment and employment in the Territory - - -

Mr Berry: What? You do not believe that?

MR HIRD: You should have done something about this when you were in government, but you did not. There is one issue which must be of serious concern to all members of this Assembly; that is, the question of superannuation. Once again, it has not been possible in this budget to make any provision for overcoming the continually increasing staff superannuation problem. It is not just a problem for the current Government. It has been a mounting problem for all ACT governments, and still is a serious concern for all of us within this parliament, and should be. Superannuation liabilities will be more than half the Territory's total liabilities of some $2 billion dollars by the end of this year. It just cannot go on like this. Mr Speaker, if we do not bite the bullet and take serious stock of this situation, future governments will face serious consequences and the people of the ACT will be forced to carry a huge financial burden. The inevitable result will be that important services will have to be cut, and the people who need these services will be hurt the most.

On a more optimistic note, however, initiatives incorporated in the 1996 budget will produce - contrary to what other people are saying - job opportunities for Canberra people in both the private sector and the public sector. The $94.6m capital works program, for instance, will support at least 1,500 jobs, many of which will be created with the $88.8m worth of new capital works. There are also two significant projects that will have more influence on the ACT and the adjoining region than any other development since the establishment of self-government. I refer to the very fast train proposal and the upgrading of Canberra Airport to international standard. The very fast train now has the support of the ACT, New South Wales and Commonwealth governments and looks certain to proceed to the stage of calling for detailed proposals. Upgrading the airport to a standard where it can be established as an international freight terminal and stand-by for Sydney's international passenger terminal has long been a personal passion for me. I am delighted that the Commonwealth Government has now demonstrated its interest by allocating $1m for a full environmental impact study, Mr Speaker. (Extension of time granted)

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