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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1999 Week 5 Hansard (4 May) . . Page.. 1306 ..

MS CARNELL (continuing):

Commonwealth Grants Commission applications or submissions was absolutely stunning. I would be more than happy to assess the performance of the Under Treasurer on the basis of the budget that I will bring down this afternoon.

Mr Corbell: I take a point of order, Mr Speaker. My question was about the performance of the Under Treasurer in relation to Bruce Stadium. The Chief Minister should confine her answer to that question.

MR SPEAKER: I am not sure that she can actually comment on the performance of the Under Treasurer in relation to anything. She can make comments in relation to her views.

MS CARNELL: Mr Corbell clearly asked me how I would assess the performance of the Under Treasurer and I am more than happy to tell him - at length, if he would like.

Mr Corbell: In relation to Bruce Stadium. She has to answer in relation to Bruce Stadium. That was the question.

MR SPEAKER: No, she does not have to answer in relation to anything. The Chief Minister and any other Minister can answer as they see fit. You know that, Mr Corbell. You have been here long enough.

Mr Corbell: Oh, to anything. Why are we here, Mr Speaker?

MS CARNELL: Many people might ask, Mr Corbell. Mr Speaker, I think that it is very important to realise that the two directors of BOPL are not shareholders. The shareholders of BOPL are obviously the community, via members of the Executive. They are directors, not shareholders. Mr Speaker, the performance contract obviously includes major issues such as performance in areas like financial management generally. Today we are going to bring down a budget that, as many people will now know, will show that this Territory can be financially sustainable. We will be able to move into the black in 2000-01. Mr Speaker, I think that that shows serious performance.

MR OSBORNE: My question is to the Attorney-General, Mr Humphries, and is in regard to the announced appointment yesterday of the Children's Court Magistrate. The Chief Magistrate, Mr Cahill, yesterday designated himself as the Children's Court Magistrate for a minimum period of three years, as is required under the law. You may recall, Minister, that the conditions of this appointment were rigorously scrutinised by both the Justice and Community Safety Committee, a previous committee of this Assembly, the Social Policy Committee, and a wide cross-section of the Canberra community and that Mr Cahill's concerns were taken into account in the committee's report and subsequent legislation. I think it would be fair to say that all members of that committee would agree that Mr Cahill was given a fair hearing. Does it not concern you, then, that the Chief Magistrate has so reluctantly complied with the law in appointing a Children's Court Magistrate and is now actively seeking legal advice on how he can wiggle out of some of these responsibilities?

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