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

Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1999 Week 5 Hansard (5 May) . . Page.. 1404 ..

MR BERRY (continuing):

One of the things that have happened in the course of this is that there has been some close consultation with industry. Whilst Mr Smyth claims that generally the industry does not support it, that is quite contrary to my assessment of my consultation with industry and representatives of workers within the industry. Indeed, Mr Speaker, this is a matter that has been consulted to death. It was, in fact, a commitment from the Government before the last election, which subsequently evaporated. I made that point earlier and I need not re-emphasise it. I merely say that this has been a U-turn of monumental proportions.

One of the organisations that were mentioned, the HIA, did come and see me and, yes, they did inform me that it was contrary to their policy. At the same time, they made representations in respect of the board and the fact that, in their view, it did not accommodate them or their involvement in this sort of an arrangement. I took their views into account, Mr Speaker, and the amendments that I have circulated ensure that the HIA, if the Minister chooses to appoint them to the board which is proposed under this legislation, will be part of that board, along with the MBA or any other organisation that the Minister chooses to invite.

The administration of building and construction industry levies in the past has always involved the industry. When it was managed by the Long Service Leave Construction Industry Board that board was representative of the industry and workers in it and there was an appointee of the Government. We have learnt from that history that it can be successfully carried out by that sort of arrangement, and it should continue to do so.

Mr Speaker, I will deal with the amendments when we get them. I need say nothing further in relation to the motion. I thank members for their indication of support, and I urge those who are still wavering to support the motion.

Question put:

The Assembly voted -

AYES, 10	NOES, 7

Mr Berry  	Ms Carnell
Mr Corbell  	Mr Cornwell
Mr Hargreaves  	Mr Hird
Mr Kaine  	Mr Humphries
Mr Osborne  	Mr Moore
Mr Quinlan  	Mr Smyth
Mr Rugendyke  	Mr Stefaniak
Mr Stanhope
Ms Tucker
Mr Wood

Question so resolved in the affirmative.

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