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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1998 Week 5 Hansard (27 August) . . Page.. 1510 ..

MR BERRY (continuing):

adversarial manner across the chamber - shock, horror - because they have the jitters about some of the recommendations. They probably would have liked to write the report themselves. All governments would like that, but that is life; that is the way it is. It is disappointing that some of the aggro responses have been thrown into this debate.

Mr Speaker, I will close on the recommendation that future committees look at the involvement of the community again. It is really up to the committee at the time to consider that issue. I think it was a good thing. Maybe we could have given more community members more time to have their input, but at least next time they will be more practised and I am sure they will be able to have a more practical input into the process. I have to say that this time it was extremely helpful. It was a damn fine example, if I can put it that way, of how the community can get themselves involved in the budget process. The people who are supporters of the arts were able to come along and make their input in a civilised way. They were not treated in as civilised a way as they themselves have behaved, but they were in fact treated in a civilised way, and I welcome those community people. I have enjoyed it.

By the way, for those people who have been saying it is so-and-so's first time on the committee and so-and-so's first time, have a little bit of time for me; it was my first time as chair. Nobody said that, no; not one of you. So, enough of that. I think it is a reasonable report. It will not suit everybody, but I hope the Government responds to it in a positive way.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

MR BERRY: Mr Speaker, I seek leave to table a paper which I overlooked tabling earlier.

Leave granted.

MR BERRY: I present the following paper:

Estimates 1998-99 - Select Committee - Report - Appropriation Bill 1998-99 - Minutes of proceedings.

MR WOOD (5.49): Mr Speaker, by agreement with those I have spoken to, I move:

That so much of the standing orders be suspended as would prevent Assembly business, order of the day No. 2, being called on forthwith.

Question resolved in the affirmative, with the concurrence of an absolute majority.

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