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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 12 Hansard (12 November) . . Page.. 4036 ..

MR HUMPHRIES (continuing):

So, where are the ideas? Is what you said, Madam Deputy Speaker, true? You said:

We have this fairytale notion that somehow the Opposition is here to create ideas, to do things for the good of the Territory. It is an absolute fairytale notion that is held by people who do not understand the Westminster system.

The Chief Minister has already quoted the comments about the duty of the Opposition being to create conflict. Madam Deputy Speaker, let us be quite clear about this. It is not a fairytale notion for members of this place to be expected to create ideas. It is not a fairytale notion to be expected to be positive about the future of this Territory and to build that in a positive way. It is a fundamentally important part of our job, no matter where in the chamber we sit, no matter what our role in this place might be. It is everybody's duty to do that.

We are not seeing it from this Opposition - this slapdash, negative, completely contemptible Opposition, this collection of people who are more interested in their own divisions, their own factional concerns, their own willingness to throw mud for the sake of power. It is that group of people who are responsible for the weaknesses in that approach. To blame the Westminster system for that, Madam Deputy Speaker, is complete garbage.

MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER: The discussion is concluded.

Debate resumed.

MR HIRD (4.00): It was disappointing this morning to hear Mr Corbell going over old ground, referring to things that happened years ago. What this Government is about is the future of Canberra's public transport and the implementation of the Graham report. In making a commitment to implement the Graham report, this Government has embarked on two very significant and challenging reforms - the redesign of the existing network and a review of the fares structure.

Mr Kaine, the Minister for Urban Services, outlined this morning the steps that are being taken to consult with the community on the design of the new network. Details of these meetings are set out in a media release. Mr Kaine indicated that three meetings have been held to date - one each in Belconnen, Gungahlin and Weston Creek - and another is to be held tonight in North Canberra. Tomorrow night there is to be a meeting in Telopea Park High School. Next week, Torrens Primary School is the venue for another consultation meeting. Tuggeranong Library is the location for a future meeting. I am sure that all members would agree that this is a significant commitment on the part of ACTION to listen to its customers and of the Minister to listen to his constituents. It is vital that any changes introduced to the network are in response to the needs of the community.

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