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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2001 Week 6 Hansard (15 June) . . Page.. 1808 ..

MR SMYTH (continuing):

health and return them to work while providing decent statutory weekly and injury benefits. The option of pursuing common law action in cases of alleged negligence remains.

For insurers and employers, steps have been taken to reduce costs by streamlining processes, removing unnecessary bureaucratic requirements and strengthening provisions to prevent exploitation of the system.

Members will note that the regulations being presented today comprise all those that are necessary to commence the new arrangements. However, there are further regulations which need to be made to complete the package. These remaining regulations will be developed over the coming months in consultation with the relevant stakeholders. I anticipate that these will be finalised and tabled before the commencement of the new arrangements.

Once members have had the opportunity to examine this legislation, I am sure they will agree that it is complex. The government has expended a great deal of effort in working with stakeholders to achieve a mutual understanding of the provisions and their effects. As I did with the exposure draft legislation, I offer all members the opportunity to be briefed by officials of my department on this legislation.

Mr Speaker, overhauling the workers compensation arrangements in the territory is long overdue. The government has now concluded a very lengthy and intensive process which has resulted in the balanced documents that I table here today. I commend the bill and regulations to members and encourage your support for them. I move:

Debate (on motion by Mr Berry ) adjourned to the next sitting.

Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) (Enforcement) Amendment Bill 2001

Mr Stefaniak , pursuant to notice, presented the bill and its explanatory memorandum.

Title read by Clerk.

MR STEFANIAK (Minister for Education and Attorney-General) (10.44): I move:

I seek leave to have my speech incorporated in Hansard.

Leave granted.

The speech read as follows:

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