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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1996 Week 12 Hansard (21 November) . . Page.. 4006 ..

MR DE DOMENICO: The reason we are in a position to be able to consider increasing the proportion of money directed to training is that the Long Service Leave Board's overall financial position is exceptionally strong, and it has been achieved as a result of employers being required to oversubscribe over a number of years. It is important to place this Bill in perspective in terms of its financial impact. The Long Service Leave Board had an income of over $4m in 1995-96 and expenses of $3.25m, leaving a surplus in that year alone of $750,000. Overall, the board has a retained surplus of $19.6m. The flow of an additional $270,000 in each of two years will have only a marginal impact on an organisation which is in such a sound financial position. I have recently received the actuarial report for the period 1993-1996. I have not yet considered its recommendations as I have requested further information from the actuary. I can say, however, that the report confirms the sound financial position of the board.

Mr Berry, when he was Minister for Industrial Relations, continually refused to reduce the employer contribution rate, despite actuarial advice recommending this course, because he knew that to do so would mean less money for training in the industry and because there was no alternative source of funding for construction industry training.

Mr Osborne: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I asked Mr De Domenico a number of questions that I wanted clarified. He has been speaking for nearly four minutes, and I have not heard one of them even closely addressed yet.

MR SPEAKER: Order! There is no point of order, Mr Osborne. Mr De Domenico still has 10 minutes to speak.

MR DE DOMENICO: Can I suggest to Mr Osborne that he is not the only member of this Assembly who has an interest in this Bill. There are other questions and other concerns by other members that I also have to address. Be patient, Mr Osborne, and I hope you will get the answers you are waiting for.

Mr Osborne: You hope I will get the answers I am looking for?

MR DE DOMENICO: Yes, I do, Mr Osborne.

Debate interrupted.

MR SPEAKER: It being 5.00 pm, I propose the question:

That the Assembly do now adjourn.

Mr Humphries: I require the question to be put forthwith without debate.

Question resolved in the negative.

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