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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2002 Week 12 Hansard (14 November) . . Page.. 3646 ..

MR STANHOPE (continuing):

Once those terms of reference are finalised, there will be a tender process for the selection of the reviewer. Indeed, I indicated to the department just in the last couple of days that I do not want this to be a long, drawn-out review. I think we need a fairly quick response to the issue around complaints mechanisms. I am aware of the level of interest within the community and I am very aware, conscious and accepting of the need for better complaint processes across the board, and a greater capacity, having regard to the size of the jurisdiction as much as anything else, to in some way better combine our review processes.

So I am looking for an early commencement of the review. I am looking for it to be a fully collaborative approach, particularly in terms of the terms of reference that will be finalised, and I look for some very positive outcomes from the review and the establishment of better, more coordinated and more effective mechanisms for complaints.

MS TUCKER: I ask a supplementary question. Thank you for that answer. Could you confirm that the selection panel for the tender for the review will include a representative from ACTCOSS and consumer representatives?

MR STANHOPE: Once again, Ms Tucker, I have not had a discussion with the department about the formal selection process. It will be a tender process. I am more than happy to put that suggestion of ACTCOSS being involved in the selection process to my department. If it is appropriate and in accordance with our procurement processes and policies, I would have absolutely no difficulty in urging that course on the department and will do so. But I will just check the processes initially.

Third party insurance

MR CORNWELL: I would like to rephrase my earlier question to Mr Wood. Do you believe, as has been claimed in the last financial year, Mr Wood, that ACT third party insurance will go down, and has this been the case under your government?

MR WOOD: My memory tells me, Mr Cornwell, that in the budget third party insurance went up by about 3 per cent or a little less than that-something of that order. We have looked fairly closely at third party insurance. We would love to see somebody else come into the market. We do not propose to break it down into the number of categories that New South Wales has, which gives a range of fees in that jurisdiction. But, really, if we could get somebody else in here, that would be good.

MR CORNWELL: Could I ask a supplementary question, Mr Speaker, please. You mentioned 3 per cent, Minister. Would you say that that increases the cost of motor vehicle registration to vehicle owners by an average of approximately $25?

MR WOOD: I will leave that to your mathematics, Mr Cornwell.

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