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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2000 Week 11 Hansard (30 November) . . Page.. 3515 ..

MR HUMPHRIES (continuing):

digital cable network. Through advanced digital communications systems, TransACT will provide the community with enhanced opportunities to access information.

The government is mindful of improving services to the community. Using the benefits of new technology, the Canberra Connect initiative will improve the quality and range of government services available through shopfronts and electronically. Extending broadcasting of the proceedings of the Assembly and its committees to a wider audience would complement this approach. It has the potential to involve the community more closely in the workings of democracy and is consistent with the government's platform of open and accessible government.

Open government encourages community interest and has the potential to build common goals, civic pride, networks and trust. Making government and its formal processes more accessible to Canberrans blends well with my commitment to building social capital. Many hundreds of Canberrans and community groups already participate in a wide range of community consultations undertaken by the government each year. Broadcasting Assembly proceedings would involve a larger community audience in the workings of government. Ultimately, we will be able to log into proceedings at any time during sitting periods or public committee hearings.

The government agrees with the overall tenor of the committee's recommendations. It recognises that the current legislation is not sufficiently flexible and requires amendment. To rectify this situation, the government proposes to bring forward a bill amending the current legislation to facilitate greater access to the proceedings of the Assembly. Clearly, while enhanced access is a priority, consideration will need to be given to cost effectiveness. The demand for electronic and other access to Assembly proceedings will need to be addressed.

The government agrees that there should be an obligation on the part of the standing committee to report to the Assembly on the broadcasting of public proceedings. However, the government is of the view that the need for this to be embedded in legislation is questionable. The Assembly standing orders would provide a more flexible and effective alternative for achieving the same result. I look forward to the standing committee reporting back to the Assembly on the outcome of its investigations. I am confident that this Assembly will take up the challenge of making our parliament more accessible to the people of Canberra.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

MR HUMPHRIES (Chief Minister, Minister for Community Affairs, Attorney-General and Treasurer) (3.15): For the information of members, I present the following paper:

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