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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1999 Week 1 Hansard (18 February) . . Page.. 329 ..

MR HUMPHRIES: I am saying that Labor's statements this morning about the capital works program, the subject of Mr Hird's question, simply are inconsistent with what they have already said about beautifying Canberra streets. They apparently want a program to beautify the city, which is exactly what Mr Stanhope attacked this morning. I realise that Mr Stanhope was on the B team in the last election and perhaps did not know about all the promises that were being made by the Labor Party during that time, but the fact is that you did promise it. We are now delivering on your promise. I would have thought that would have been one thing we were sure to get support about but obviously not. Mr Speaker, we think it is important to make Canberra look good, to restore pride in our city and, to quote Labor Party policy, to create a green, clean city. We are setting about delivering it.

MR OSBORNE: I find it interesting when we spent a long time yesterday talking about process that the Government should announce their plans for the JESC at Woden without taking the time to inform the committee looking into the issue of JESCs. Nevertheless, I will ask my question of the Attorney-General. I ask this question, having discussed it at length with the Minister at lunchtime. The question needs to be asked so that we can let people know that steps are being taken to rectify the problem. Mr Speaker, could you speak to this fool here and ask him to be quiet while I am asking my question?

Mr Rugendyke: I take a point of order, Mr Speaker. Yesterday Mr Osborne attempted to assist me in my speech. I am just attempting to assist him in his speech today.

MR SPEAKER: Considering the cacophony of sound that I have been listening to for all of question time, that was minor, Mr Osborne.

MR OSBORNE: The day I ask you to help, Mr Rugendyke, will be the day I will be writing my resignation speech.

Mr Smyth: Serious question.

MR OSBORNE: It is a serious question. I noted this morning, Minister, that you referred to the passing of the Children's Services (Amendment) Bill yesterday establishing a children's magistrate and to some problems your department had come forward with. Can you inform the Assembly in detail what these problems are, and what steps you and I have agreed to take to rectify the problem? Can I also just let you know, before you stand up, Minister, that my office has spoken with the parliamentary drafter and he has indicated that the amendments that are needed will be ready for the next sitting. Here is your opportunity, Minister.

MR HUMPHRIES: I thank Mr Osborne for that question. He has indeed raised an extremely serious question. I mentioned this morning a number of problems to do with the Children's Services (Amendment) Bill that was carried yesterday. I have received a slightly more detailed brief - I am happy to table it in the Assembly - which details some

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