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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2002 Week 1 Hansard (12 December) . . Page.. 157 ..

MR HUMPHRIES (continuing):

Mr Speaker, the many expressions of support and statements of principle in this paper are laudable but, I believe, need to be fleshed out with positive strategies flowing from the expressions of support. Under the heading "Whole-of-government approach", Mr Stanhope says that the government has a comprehensive plan to improve the lives of indigenous people. I assume that this statement is not that plan. I would be interested in seeing that plan; perhaps I could ask Mr Stanhope to table that plan in due course. He mentions it on page five of his statement and I would be interested in seeing it if it is available for members of the Assembly to peruse.

Mr Speaker, I would hope that we will have a bipartisan approach towards Aboriginal affairs and I would hope that we will have an opportunity to advance those issues mentioned by Mr Stanhope which, we agree, are areas where further action needs to be taken. We would hope that the words used in this statement as expressions of a desire to see things happen will be translated into further positive work in the coming years. We certainly acknowledge that such work needs to occur and ought to have the support of the members of this place.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

Future directions of departments under the jurisdiction of the Deputy Chief Minister

Ministerial statement

MR QUINLAN

(Treasurer, Minister for Economic Development, Business and Tourism, Minister for Sport, Racing and Gaming and Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Corrections) (3.43): I ask for leave of the Assembly to make a ministerial statement concerning future directions of departments under my jurisdiction.

Leave granted.

MR QUINLAN: Mr Speaker, it is, or at least should be, axiomatic for every government that the bedrock of good government is the capacity to provide sound, sustainable financial management. Little can be effectively achieved unless the books are in order. Our objective is good government incorporating the elements of inclusiveness, equity, justice and compassion. Sound financial management is a major parameter, not the ultimate objective in itself. Nevertheless, it is an absolute requirement.

As difficult as it is for a treasurer to say so, economics isn't everything. There are other ways to measure how well we are doing as a society. A key measure of a flourishing economy is the extent to which all of its residents can enjoy the opportunity to engage in meaningful and rewarding work. Other key measures relate to the ability to participate in all dimensions of a complex and diverse community. As an example, I am serious about ensuring that the importance of sport and recreation is acknowledged throughout the government and the community. We are taking a much closer look at our sporting programs to build a better system for a healthier Canberra.

However, none of these things can be considered true achievements unless the community feels secure in the city they live in and the safety of our community is high on the priority of this government. To the credit of its officers, we have seen considerable achievements from the Australian Federal Police, such as Operation

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