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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2001 Week 9 Hansard (23 August) . . Page.. 3264 ..

Mr Stanhope: On a point of order, Mr Speaker: I have to say that I think the Attorney has maligned our police force and emergency services forces most grievously in his answer by suggesting that people who get a cash payment-

MR SPEAKER: There is no point of order.

Mr Stanhope: He did. He said that people who get-

MR SPEAKER: You may speak on the adjournment.

Mr Stanhope: He said that people who get a cash payment have their grubby little hands in taxpayers' money.

MR SPEAKER: I warn you, Mr Stanhope.

MR HIRD: Mr Speaker, my supplementary question is also to the Attorney. Mr Attorney, did I hear you say correctly that the Labor Party actually did not develop a new policy, but has taken our policy? Is it also the case that, by adding to that policy and giving away ACT taxpayers' money generously, it has ensured that it could, at a minimum, rack up an additional cost of $9 million?

MR SPEAKER: You are not responsible for Labor Party policy, Mr Minister.

MR STEFANIAK: No, I am not responsible for Labor Party policy, but Mr Hird-

Mr Berry: You would like to be.

MR STEFANIAK: Look, mate, I could give you some top policies. Mr Hird is quite right to be concerned about the Labor Party's ability to rack up a bill. They are very generous with taxpayers' money.

In terms of Mr Stanhope's amazing comment about grubby hands, I suggest he read the Hansard. I certainly wasn't referring to those he mentioned. I think I was referring to the opposition in terms of their getting their hands on money and not spending it as well as they could.

Visit to Beijing by Assembly members

MR OSBORNE: Ms Tucker and I talked about my question, Mr Speaker. We did not quite know whom to address it to but we decided that it should be directed to the Chief Minister. Chief Minister, are you able to inform the Assembly whether the trip to Beijing by Mr Smyth and Mr Quinlan is a result of our sister city relationship with Beijing? Are you able to inform us if Mr Quinlan and Mr Smyth will take part in any sister city ceremonies while they are over there?

MR HUMPHRIES: Mr Speaker, I can confirm that the trip is as a result of our sister city relationship. Mr Smyth and Mr Quinlan are involved in two activities associated with that relationship. In particular, they were involved in the opening of the University Games in Beijing this week. They will also be involved in some discussions with the Beijing government about furthering the relationship between Beijing and Canberra.

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