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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1998 Week 9 Hansard (19 November) . . Page.. 2679 ..

MR RUGENDYKE (continuing):

I see it also as a priority to address clearance times. A study released by the Council of Australian Governments last year showed that the ACT had the second longest clearance times in Australia, rating ahead of only the Northern Territory. I think it has to be assessed whether this is an acceptable rating or whether we should be doing better. I am also proposing that the committee consider surgical and non-surgical waiting lists, because I have received strong representations from my electorate that they are experiencing delays in accessing services such as physiotherapy and rehabilitation.

It is also evident that one of the confusing factors for the public is the fact that waiting list debates are often tangled up in election campaigning or industrial disputes. Setting up an inquiry will allow us to isolate the issue and gather independent evidence that will be beneficial for the public, the hospital system and the Assembly. Mr Deputy Speaker, I believe that it is time to stop the finger-pointing on this issue and make a concerted effort to review our progress and see whether we are headed in the right direction. I commend this motion to the Assembly and seek the support of members.

MR DEPUTY SPEAKER: I think there is a proposal to adjourn the debate because Mr Stanhope has some amendments he would like to consider and we are about out of time for Assembly business.

Debate (on motion by Mr Berry) adjourned.

MR SMYTH (Minister for Urban Services) (12.16): Mr Deputy Speaker, for the information of members, I present the draft code of practice for the placement of moveable signs in public places to be made under the Roads and Public Places Act 1937. Pursuant to standing order 214, I move:

That the draft code of practice be referred to the Standing Committee on Urban Services.

MR CORBELL (12.16): Mr Deputy Speaker, this is a sensible referral. Obviously, the issue of moveable signs has been one that has caused some interest since the Assembly discussed it earlier this week. I think it is only appropriate that an Assembly committee - the Standing Committee on Urban Services - take the opportunity to explain exactly the context in which the Assembly has made its decision, because there has been some confusion on the matter, there has been some concern expressed following the Assembly's decision to approve the Bill from which the code of practice emanates as to what that will mean for community organisations in publicising their activities around town. I think that some people have gained the impression, perhaps ill-informedly, that this means that you are no longer able to put up a sign advertising your school's local fete, advertising a garage sale and so on. Clearly, that is not the intent of the legislation. Clearly, that is

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