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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 12 Hansard (12 November) . . Page.. 4055 ..

MR SPEAKER: Are you calling for the Social Policy Committee to do the feasibility study?

Mrs Carnell: No. I am suggesting that the issue of the Stimulus Centre - - -

MR SPEAKER: You are suggesting that Ms Reilly's motion be referred to the Social Policy Committee?

Mrs Carnell: Yes. And then they can have a look at what is on the table.

MR SPEAKER: I understand. Are we clear on that?

MR MOORE (5.11): Indeed, Mr Speaker; I am clear on it. It is quite appropriate that the motion be referred to the Standing Committee on Social Policy. Indeed, this is consistent with the way I argued when I was speaking to the substantive motion - Ms Reilly's motion. I think the Social Policy Committee could do a number of things with this matter within the timeframe they have. They could actually do a report; but I think it is highly unlikely, considering the amount of work that members are doing. It could fit into a two-part process. A number of things were referred to the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment recently. I shall be making a statement tomorrow on behalf of the Planning and Environment Committee about one of the things referred to us.

It is possible to do a small amount of research and say, "Is there enough in this idea for it to proceed to a proper full study by a committee or for government to do a more thorough study?", in which case it would be recommended by the committee to the successor of the Social Policy Committee. Indeed, a number of committees of the last Assembly made recommendations to that effect. One I remember that was not taken up by this Assembly was a recommendation for a further committee to look at citizen-initiated referenda. Instead, Mr Humphries tabled the legislation and in that case it was not referred to a further committee of this Assembly. However, that was a recommendation that could have been taken up. I would have been happy to support it. This may fit into that category. I think there are a number of things that could happen, and I think this is an appropriate way to deal with this matter.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

Motion (by Mr Humphries) agreed to:

That the Assembly do now adjourn.

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