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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 13 Hansard (4 December) . . Page.. 4601 ..

MR HUMPHRIES (continuing):

I put the challenge, though, to the Government. They really must accept very seriously each and every one of these recommendations. They must be prepared to implement them.

History will show that since that time there have been some round tables and, by agreement, we have moved away from some of the recommendations; but in all cases we have moved together on the position that we should adopt. It is ironic that, after this solemn lecture from the other side of the chamber about the sanctity of the decisions made by the Planning and Environment Committee, it is Mr Corbell who now comes before this place with a different recommendation to that adopted by the committee. But, Mr Speaker, such is politics.

Question put:

That the amendment (Mr Corbell's) be agreed to.

The Assembly voted -

AYES, 8		 NOES, 7

Mr Corbell	Mrs Carnell
Ms Horodny	Mr Cornwell
Ms McRae	Mr Hird
Mr Moore	Mr Kaine
Ms Reilly	Mrs Littlewood
Ms Tucker	Mr Osborne
Mr Whitecross	Mr Stefaniak
Mr Wood

MR MOORE (4.17), in reply: In concluding the debate on this motion as amended, I think it is appropriate to comment on the fact that the Environment Management Authority now has a significant challenge in front of it. No doubt there will be an application from the Motorsport Council who, as Mr Corbell points out, are entitled to race. That authorisation is one that is going to have to take into account a series of issues: How much noise should be allowed; when there are exemptions; and how many times that should happen, say, in a given year. I hope that the starting point for such an authorisation will be somewhat less, although not a great deal less, than has been the case in previous years.

I think that makes a sensible starting point for how a decision should be made on this sort of issue. It will then be up to others to determine whether they wish to appeal to the AAT and whether or not that decision will hold. I would expect the decision will be appealed to the AAT. I would imagine that the bureaucrats who make this decision will not possibly be able to get it right, because there is such a strong difference of opinion. The matter will finally be resolved then in the AAT and the rights of people before the AAT, no matter where they live, will be respected by this legislature. That is the best part of this particular outcome.

Motion, as amended, agreed to.

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