Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .

Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2003 Week 1 Hansard (20 February) . . Page.. 347 ..

Confiscation of criminal assets-legislation

MS TUCKER (5.04): I cannot miss this opportunity to respond to Mr Cornwell's constructive comments.

MR SPEAKER: Not if you are going to reflect on what happened last night.

MS TUCKER: I have just been to a conference in Tasmania which has reinforced in my mind the importance of the scrutiny of bills committee. When the scrutiny of bills committee thoroughly examines legislation clause by clause for the potential for trespass on the rights of citizens, it is important that we allow government time to respond, which occurred in the case we are not talking about. It is also important for members of a legislature to have the opportunity to look at the government response, consult and get advice on what their position is after points have been raised.

Mr Cornwell mentioned the responsibility of the crossbench. If you look at Hansard, you will see how often members of the crossbench speak. We speak on nearly every issue. I certainly do. The workload is much greater than that of people such as Mr Cornwell, who very rarely speaks compared to the number of times members on the crossbench speak. It is important to acknowledge that difference in workload.

I understand that it makes Mr Cornwell unhappy that particular legislation was not debated in the time that he wanted. As a person who has had some experience in this place, I would have thought he would understand the importance of giving members time to look at comments such as those made in the report of the scrutiny of bills committee and in the government response. I take my responsibility extremely seriously to be sure that comments I make on any piece of legislation are informed by consultation. Consultation with experts on this particular issue-and on any issue-is critical.

Confiscation of criminal assets-legislation

MR STEFANIAK (4.06): I wish to respond to a couple of things Ms Tucker said as chair of the scrutiny of bills committee. The committee tries to come up with a report on legislation in ample time for the government to respond. We did that, and the government managed to respond on Tuesday.

We are a small Assembly. I have some sympathy for Ms Tucker's position as a single-member party. But we have passed important legislation a lot quicker than 48 hours after the government response. I checked comments made to me several days ago by an adviser to the Chief Minister and found them to be quite right. I am getting better with my emails now and I am almost computer literate at times. Three offers were made to members for briefings on this legislation. I availed myself of a briefing. I do not know whether Ms Tucker did. My briefing was particularly helpful in understanding what the government's position was, as was the Attorney's response to some of the concerns raised by the committee.

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .