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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1999 Week 12 Hansard (25 November) . . Page.. 3670 ..

Leave not granted.

MR HUMPHRIES: This makes for a late night.

MR SPEAKER: Indeed.

MR HUMPHRIES: Mr Speaker, this Bill provides for ACTION to be established as a statutory authority and seeks to build on the momentum of commercial reform taking place within ACTION to ensure its continuing value to the people of the Territory, including its provision of quality services to the community. Recently the ACT Government has implemented a number of measures to improve the public transport system in the Territory. The corporatisation of ACTION is another step in efficiently meeting the transport needs of Canberra residents.

The Bill seeks to turn ACTION into a customer focused organisation. ACTION, which currently operates as a business unit within the Department of Urban Services, will be established as a separate authority. ACTION Corporation will be managed by a board of directors with appropriate industry experience. By establishing ACTION as a corporation, the Bill enhances the clarity of objectives, management authority - - -

Mr Hird: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. The Minister is trying to read a very important speech to the house, and there seems to be too much discussion in the chamber. In light of what was not allowed by the Opposition, that is, the incorporation of the Minister's speech, they could at least pay him the decency of listening in quiet to what he was saying.

MR SPEAKER: I uphold the point of order, Mr Hird. There is far too much audible conversation in the chamber. I would have thought that, having refused leave for Mr Humphries to incorporate his speech in Hansard, members should listen to what he is reading.

MR HUMPHRIES: ACTION, which currently operates as a business unit within the Department of Urban Services, will be established as a separate authority. ACTION Corporation will be managed by a board of directors with appropriate industry experience. By establishing ACTION as a corporation, the Bill enhances clarity of objectives, management authority and accountability and effective performance monitoring by the Government.

The primary function of ACTION Corporation will be to provide an efficient and effective public passenger transport service to ACTION's customers, the people of Canberra. My colleague Mr Smyth, MLA, Minister for Urban Services, is presenting the Public Passenger Transport Bill 1999. The Public Passenger Transport Bill will provide the regulatory framework for the provision of public transport.

The establishment of ACTION Corporation will involve the transfer of staff, assets and liabilities from the existing ACTION business unit within the Department of Urban Services. Let me assure you that the interests of staff have been given a great deal of consideration in this process. Current employees of ACTION will be transferred to the

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