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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 1 Hansard (18 February) . . Page.. 72 ..

MRS CARNELL (continuing):

These changes reflect the Government's interest in this legislation and our commitment to continue to monitor its effectiveness. I agree very much with Mr Moore that this sort of legislation should be looked at constantly to ensure that it is achieving the ends that we all want it to achieve, and that is to ensure that people in our public sector feel that they are empowered to bring forward any areas that they do not think are quite right. This, by the way, in no way suggests that we - unlike some people - believe that our public sector is riddled with corruption. We believe very strongly that that simply is not the case.

But legislation like this is important not just for what it does, Mr Speaker, but also for what it says. It is important because it makes clear statements about values. It says to everybody that honesty, integrity and high standards of management of public resources are critical elements in public sector activity. We will take steps to ensure that reports of improper conduct and wrongdoing are investigated and acted upon. The culture should be one of exposing and correcting wrongdoing, rather than covering up. Where it is necessary to report improper conduct, we expect something to be done about it.

Making a difference is one of the things that most concern informants in these circumstances. If there are problems that are not corrected by existing management practices, we rely on individual employees or members of the public to make reports under this Act. I believe that that is extremely important to improving the way the Public Service operates generally. I think the extension of this Bill is a very appropriate approach. I am very pleased that members of the Assembly support it. It shows but again that this Government is interested in openness, in consultation, in equity and in a strong Public Service.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

Bill agreed to in principle.

Leave granted to dispense with the detail stage.

Bill agreed to.

MR HUMPHRIES (Attorney-General) (5.18): Mr Speaker, I ask for leave to move a motion regarding the recording of proceedings relating to the Assembly's consideration of the Medical Treatment (Amendment) Bill 1997.

Leave granted.

MR HUMPHRIES: I thank members. I move the motion which has been circulated in my name in the chamber today. It reads:

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