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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 7 Hansard (26 June) . . Page.. 2170 ..

MS HORODNY (continuing):

We also put forward a range of mechanisms for how the fee could be collected to achieve our objective. These mechanisms each have their pros and cons, but the problems are not insurmountable. If the Government were prepared to accept our alternative proposal, then I am sure that the Minister's bureaucrats would be able to come up with the most cost-effective approach to collecting the fees. Where there is a will there is a way. We have said quite openly that, if the Minister can give us a guarantee that this provision will be met through a revision to his determination, then we are prepared to support the Government on this measure.

As the Government has not been prepared to compromise in any way on this proposal, then we have no alternative but to oppose the proposal because in its current form it is an inequitable charge on ACT residents. We see no need to rush in this fee when there is scope to modify it to address these inequities. If the Minister had bothered to talk to us well before all the work had been done to establish the entry fees, we could have worked out a compromise solution early on, instead of having this last-minute debate. Really, the ball is now in the Government's court.

Debate (on motion by Mr Osborne) adjourned.

EXECUTIVE BUSINESS - PRECEDENCE

Motion (by Mr Humphries) agreed to:

That Executive business be called on.

CONSIDERATION OF ASSEMBLY BUSINESS
Suspension of Standing Orders

MR HUMPHRIES (Attorney-General) (11.35): Mr Speaker, I move:

That so much of the standing orders be suspended as would prevent orders of the day Nos 32 and 35, - - -

Mr Berry: Has the 30 minutes run out?

MR HUMPHRIES: No; but I have just moved that we call on Executive business, and the motion was carried, Mr Berry. Will someone give him a wake-up call?

Mr Berry: I would just like to know before you do these things; that is all.

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