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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2002 Week 14 Hansard (10 December) . . Page.. 4103 ..

MR STANHOPE (continuing):

Creek in April. We certainly have every intention of doing that, and are moving innovatively through both the electorate office concept, which we have kicked off, and our community cabinet meetings, to ensure that we meet as broad a range of people as we possibly can from all around Canberra.

Mr Humphries: The question is: will they meet outside their electorates?

MR STANHOPE: These are matters to be negotiated by them. I am not dictating these things-just as I am not dictating to you that I think you need to accept this offer.

Senators have big, swish offices at the expense of taxpayers. It is probably an interesting subject for discussion, Mr Humphries, as you move on and upwards with 15 electorate staff.

Mr Humphries: According to you, Mr Stanhope, I do not have the numbers.

MR STANHOPE: As a senator, you will end up with more staff than the entire Liberal Party or Labor Party have in this place. Of course, being a backbench senator will not do. For a minister, no less, in the Howard government, goodness knows-the sky is the limit.

Bill and Steve, do not think, for a minute, I am denying you your chance to speak. I do not have any money on you, although there is a dark horse. I think there is a bit of a bolter out there from Belconnen, but I am having two bob each way on Bill-the "Belconnen folder". I have a feeling he could come up the middle, or whip around the outside where the ground is a bit firm-so keep your eye on him!

Industrial manslaughter legislation

MR PRATT: My question is to the Minister for Industrial Relations, Mr Corbell. Minister, given that the Bracks Labor government, with a clear majority in both houses, and the Beattie government with a strong majority in the Queensland parliament, have abandoned plans to introduce industrial manslaughter legislation, recognising that it is unnecessary and poor legislation, will you follow their lead and shelve your plans to introduce such legislation in the ACT?

MR CORBELL: I thank Mr Pratt for the question. Mr Speaker, I read this morning that the Queensland Minister for Industrial Relations, Mr Nuttall, has denied reports that the Queensland government has dumped its proposed industrial manslaughter legislation. I guess that proves the old adage that you can never believe what you read in the papers.

The Queensland Attorney-General has said that the report is incorrect. He has said today that it is still on the agenda. No deadlines have been set at this stage, but it is still on the agenda for the Queensland government. I cannot comment on what the newly elected Bracks government is going to do. However, if Mr Bracks wanted to introduce such legislation, I think he would have a pretty good chance of getting it through the houses of parliament in Victoria.

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