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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1998 Week 9 Hansard (18 November) . . Page.. 2616 ..

MS CARNELL: The most recent information available to taxpayers on ACTEW's performance is the quarterly report. The quarterly report shows quite categorically - - -

Mr Berry: That is not the question he asked.

MS CARNELL: It was exactly the question. He asked what the most recent information was. The most recent information is the quarterly report. The quarterly report shows quite clearly that ACTEW's electricity revenue is falling quite quickly, that ACTEW - - -

Mr Berry: Not falling as quickly as predicted.

MR SPEAKER: Mr Berry, would you like to have a chance to ask a question a little later, or would you like to be removed before you have that opportunity?

Mr Berry: I would like to stay.

MR SPEAKER: Well, stop interjecting.

MS CARNELL: Mr Speaker, the latest quarterly report shows that ACTEW's profitability from electricity sales is falling quite rapidly. That is the most recent information. Did I give any direction to Mr Mackay or make any suggestions to Mr Mackay with regard to the release of this particular document? The answer is no.

MR RUGENDYKE: Mr Speaker, my question is to the Minister for Justice and Community Safety, Mr Humphries. I advise the Assembly that Mr Humphries' office is aware of this question. The question relates to the coronial inquest into the death of Mr Warren I'Anson, which was completed, I believe, some time last year. Minister, could you please advise the Assembly when we might expect the coroner to announce his findings?

MR HUMPHRIES: Mr Speaker, I thank Mr Rugendyke for the question. I have to indicate that I have no particular estimate of when the coroner is likely to report on his findings in respect of this particular inquest. I indicate my concern that it has taken quite some time since the inquest was completed last year. It must be at least 12 months since it was completed and there has still been no report in the matter.

I have discussed the matter with an officer of the Magistrates Court in the last few days. I understand that the intention is to try to make some time available for the Chief Coroner, for it is he who is the coroner in this particular matter, to put aside a block of time to allow him to focus on the delivering of a report and a finding in that particular inquest. I think the court official is aware of the Government's concern about the delay in this matter. Given the separation of powers, there is not much I can do beyond that.

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