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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 8 Hansard (28 August) . . Page.. 2605 ..

Mr Kaine: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. You properly drew the member's attention to the point of relevance. I hardly think it is a matter for entering into a debate upon. If you choose, of course, you can rule on the matter and simply rule her out of order.

Mr Moore: Mr Speaker, may I make a comment on the point of order?

MR SPEAKER: Yes.

Mr Moore: It seems to me that the whole issue is about taxation. The ramifications of this legislation are very clearly that it sets in place a temporary way of dealing with a taxation problem and the only way to resolve it in the long term is with taxation reform. I think it is perfectly in order to speak to that matter at the in-principle stage of a Bill that involves those issues.

MR SPEAKER: How much longer do you have, Ms Tucker?

MS TUCKER: I am almost finished.

MR SPEAKER: I will indulge you.

MS TUCKER: I thank Mr Moore for his support. I think it is very clear that it is quite relevant. We reject Mr Howard's push for lower income tax and his attempt to constrict and constrain the debate before it even starts. Let us use this opportunity for reform to turn around the growing gap between rich and poor in Australia and in the ACT, and let us use this opportunity to stimulate enterprise, jobs and environmental excellence. I find it surprising that Mrs Carnell does not welcome this debate. Ever since I have been in this Assembly I have heard her complain about and bemoan the fact that we have a real problem with revenue in this Territory.

I am calling on the Chief Minister to immediately call on the Prime Minister to ensure that there is wider community input and discussion of tax reform, and I believe a national tax summit involving peak community organisations would be the most effective way to facilitate a genuine, effective and visionary debate. I will take the necessary steps by way of a motion in this place if the Chief Minister decides not to make that call.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

Bill agreed to in principle.

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