Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .

Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1999 Week 2 Hansard (10 March) . . Page.. 521 ..

MR HUMPHRIES

Since concluding reception of evidence, the inquest has resumed for three further directions hearings, on 12 and 20 November and 11 December 1998. The coroner, Mr Madden, has advised me that the Chief Magistrate has agreed to his being withdrawn from his duties as a magistrate, with effect from Monday, 8 March 1999, to prepare his report.

The parties to the inquest have agreed to a schedule for the presentation and reception of submissions. I now table a copy of the schedule, for the information of members. The coroner has advised me that he may make a report available by the end of June 1999.

I am making this statement to the Assembly today at the request of the coroner, on the ground that the Canberra community is entitled to know about the inquest's present status, particularly due to its duration and the fact that the actual demolition on Sunday, 13 July 1997, generated so much spectator interest.

MR HUMPHRIES (Attorney-General, Minister for Justice and Community Safety and Minister Assisting the Treasurer): Mr Speaker, while I am on my feet, I want to correct a statement I made earlier today in the debate on the motion of grave concern about Mr Smyth. I suggested in those remarks that I made that the Labor Party had supported part of a motion in the Assembly, which happened to be on 28 May 1998, which supported rural residential development in the ACT. It appears on looking at the minutes of that occasion that the ALP did not, in fact, support that motion, although I note that a majority of members of the Assembly did.

Debate resumed from 26 August 1998, on motion by Ms Tucker:

That this Bill be agreed to in principle.

Debate (on motion by Mr Osborne ) adjourned.

Debate resumed from 26 August 1998, on motion by Ms Tucker:

That this Bill be agreed to in principle.

Debate (on motion by Mr Osborne ) adjourned.

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .