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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1999 Week 3 Hansard (24 March) . . Page.. 782 ..

MS TUCKER (continuing):

Australian community that the legal system does not necessarily deliver justice. We have to be prepared to challenge that. The people of the ACT had one of the most traumatic experiences ever in Canberra when we had this affair. There are people still suffering very badly. Because the Attorney-General in a minority government did not consult properly with the other members of the Assembly we have the possibility that, because of a technical issue, a technical detail, people who may have offended in some way will now not have to face the consequences or face the normal procedures.

Having thought about those issues, overall I believe that it is perfectly reasonable to support this piece of legislation from Mr Berry. I do believe that the ACT community wants to see processes which are just, and this is a procedural matter about a timeframe. I believe that the concern about resurrecting liability does not outweigh those other concerns.

MR OSBORNE (4.33): Mr Speaker, I move:

That the debate be adjourned.

I seek leave to make a brief statement in relation to the matter.

MR SPEAKER: Is leave granted for Mr Osborne to speak? He wishes to move for the adjournment of the debate.

Mr Berry: As long as leave will be granted to try to talk him out of it.

MR SPEAKER: I am asking whether leave is granted for Mr Osborne to speak, although he wishes to move for the adjournment.

Mr Berry: Are you going to give me leave to try to talk him out of it?

MR SPEAKER: There being no objection, leave is granted.

MR OSBORNE: Mr Speaker, I have sought the adjournment because I need to clarify in my mind the amendments that Mr Berry has circulated. I understand that this issue does need to be resolved quickly, given that the coroner will be, I believe, handing down his report at some time in June or July.

Mr Humphries: The end of June.

MR OSBORNE: The end of June. Obviously, it is an issue that needs to be resolved well before then. I just need to look at the Bill. I did speak to the Attorney-General about it this morning. He identified a number of problems. Mr Berry has tabled some amendments to clarify that situation, but I just feel that I do need some time to sort that out.

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