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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 11 Hansard (5 November) . . Page.. 3628 ..

MR HIRD: Mr Speaker, my question is to the Minister for Urban Services, Mr Kaine. Minister, it is my understanding that the Labor Party has been stirring the pot, spreading uncertainties about the issue of bus services to the new, developing area of Gungahlin and causing unnecessary concern to residents. In the light of the Opposition's typical negativity, can you say what is the true situation regarding ACTION's plans to improve the bus service to Gungahlin?

Ms McRae: Mr Speaker, is this an announcement of Government policy? I seek your guidance. It sounds very much like an announcement of Government policy about bus services intended for Gungahlin.

MR SPEAKER: You are not about to announce Executive policy, are you, Mr Kaine?

MR KAINE: I am not going to address Government policy, Mr Speaker.

MR SPEAKER: You cannot announce Executive policy, but questions may seek an explanation regarding the policy of the Executive and its application.

MR KAINE: Mr Speaker, I am delighted to answer the question that Mr Hird has put to me, particularly since the person within the Labor Party who has been doing the most pot stirring is one who came to me in my office with a delegation from the Gungahlin Community Council. I gave them certain commitments. One was that I would respond to their questions and that I would advise that member accordingly, and I did that. The members of the Gungahlin Community Council were quite happy with the response that they received from me and the undertakings that I gave; but, of course, the member of the Opposition is not happy. He obviously has a totally different agenda from that of the community that he claims to represent.

Mr Corbell: Are you prepared to name him?

MR SPEAKER: Mr Corbell, you will not be here to hear your name being mentioned if you keep up those constant interjections.

MR KAINE: I did not mention any names, Mr Speaker; but I can see who is very sensitive about the issue. He obviously has an agenda that is not in accord with that of the constituents that he pretends to represent, because they are very happy with what we are doing out there.

Mr Corbell: On a point of order, Mr Speaker: The Minister suggested that I pretended to represent constituents. I suggest that that is imputing an improper motive and he should withdraw it. I do not pretend at all, Mr Speaker.

MR KAINE: Mr Speaker, I mentioned nobody by name.

MR SPEAKER: No name was mentioned, Mr Corbell. You have been very rowdy, I must admit.

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