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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2002 Week 3 Hansard (6 March) . . Page.. 635 ..

MR STANHOPE (continuing):

This is a continuation of Mr Humphries' hate campaign against Vic Rebikoff. I think we recall, during the election campaign, the particular venom which Mr Humphries saved for Mr Rebikoff. We all remember it well. There was particular venom that I think each of us noticed during the election campaign.

All I can do is reiterate that I think there is probably nobody in the Canberra multicultural community more deserving of recognition in relation to commitment to multicultural issues than Vic Rebikoff. That is recognised by the multicultural community and is commented upon in that community.

I recall that, at the opening speech in relation to the last multicultural festival, Mark Tiirikainen made a special effort to ensure that Vic Rebikoff was given due recognition as the original convener of the multicultural festival-a festival which grew out of Vic Rebikoff's energy and commitment to the multicultural community here. Vic Rebikoff has, in relation to multicultural issues, a CV that is second to none. He has a record of commitment to multiculturalism and the multicultural community that is second to none.

It really is intriguing that the Liberal Party should, after the election and the dust has settled, maintain this barrage of hatred they have for Vic Rebikoff in their role in opposition. It is really a major concern that they could not put the election behind them.

The election is over. It was held on 20 October, and you lost. You lost on 20 October, and you lost by a record margin. You lost by a record margin because, in government, you did not show integrity, you did not govern well and you did not actually have regard for due process. You were not trusted by the people of Canberra, and you lost the election.

Vic Rebikoff, a political opponent of yours in that contest, has done what I guess a number of people who were not successful in that campaign have done. He has gained other employment, and good luck to him. That can only be to the benefit of the people of the ACT, particularly in the multicultural community.

MR SMYTH: I have a supplementary question. Was Mr Rebikoff appointed following the same open process as is required for all public servants as outlined in the Public Service Management Act?

MR STANHOPE: I do not have responsibility for day-to-day management of the public service. I do not know how many selection panels there are. I do not know how many panels you characters sat on when you were in government, but I will not be sitting on selection panels in the public service. Let me tell you that. I will not be sitting on selection panels in the Chief Minister's Department, or in any other department, in relation to the selection of staff who are appointed to the public service.

I honestly do not know if the proper process was followed. I was not part of the selection process for Mr Vic Rebikoff. I will leave it at that.

Mr Smyth: On a point of order, Mr Speaker: when a minister does not know the answer, the normal practice is to take it on notice and report back to the Assembly. I am wondering if the Chief Minister is doing that.

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