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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 10 Hansard (23 September) . . Page.. 3105 ..

MS TUCKER (11.58): I would also like to say a few things about this report. Just having a quick look at the recommendations, a lot of it fits in very well with the work that I did when I was considering the 4.00 am closing issue. I can see that a lot of the issues that were raised at that summit, as Mr Osborne said, are evident in these recommendations. I am very pleased to see that. I notice the committee has a recommendation that a liquor industry advisory council be formed, which was one of the suggestions that came out of the community discussions as well. I would actually quite like to see on that board a population health person or someone with general expertise in health issues as well, but I am sure those sorts of things can be discussed a bit further along.

The basic concerns that have come out in the last few months mostly appear to be addressed here. I am hoping also that the Government looks at this report favourably, because I support what other members have said. The issues around alcohol abuse are having a very serious impact on our society. While we obviously cannot solve the problem entirely, we can certainly continue to look at why it happens and how we can minimise that impact and actually reduce the substance abuse, whether it is alcohol or any other kind of substance in the community. I look forward to the Government's response to this report.

MR HUMPHRIES (Attorney-General) (11.59): There is much that I would like to say at this stage, but I think it is best if I adjourn the debate. I move:

That the debate be adjourned.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

MS TUCKER: Pursuant to standing order 246A, I make the following statement in relation to the Standing Committee on Social Policy's inquiry into community consultation on social policy issues: Community consultation has been an issue of great interest to the Social Policy Committee during this Assembly. It is also an issue which has been of great concern to many in the community and is an integral aspect of community development. Effective public consultation should be the norm rather than the exception. It is the committee's view that the consultation that does occur varies considerably in its effectiveness.

Members will be aware that on 25 May 1995 the Standing Committee on Social Policy resolved to conduct an inquiry into community consultation on social policy issues. The terms of reference were as follows:

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