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

Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2003 Week 4 Hansard (1 April) . . Page.. 1194 ..

MR SMYTH (continuing):

But you need vehicles to do that. The response from the CFMEU, the boys at the Kingston Hotel, and Gary Robb and Associates was fantastic. The brigade itself kicked in $3,000 to equip the vehicle with lights, sirens and the protective strips that are necessary for the safe operation of the vehicle.

The other person who needs to be congratulated, Comrade Speaker Berry, is your colleague the Treasurer and his chief adviser, Mr House. When the brigade was trying to get this deal through, they were a few bob short because of stamp duty and some other charges. It took a single conversation with Mr House, who is in the chamber this evening and is to be congratulated. He said, "Wonderful idea. We will fix it."I assume he spoke to his boss, who said, "Go for your life."With the minimum of fuss and with a great deal of support from the Treasurer's office, the purchase of this vehicle went straight through. It has been presented to the brigade. It has been decked out. It now has lights and sirens. I say thank you to Emergency Services as well. They have provided a fuel card and all the necessary covers that such a vehicle deserves.

I wear the badge of the CFMEU, because George Wasson and Glen Parry said to me, "Here is the badge, mate. Make sure you wear it."They gave Bill Stefaniak a badge as well, because he was at the presentation also. Some members on the government benches probably have not been trusted with such a badge. You can understand why, given the current climate. I said, "I really appreciate what you do."This is one of those days when I think everybody agrees that the unions do a good job. In this regard they did a fabulous job. I said that in honour of that I would very proudly wear the badge of the CFMEU at the Assembly. I honour my commitment today by doing so and praising all the ladies and gentlemen of that union for the assistance that they have given to the Guises Creek Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade.

Answer to question on notice

MR QUINLAN (Treasurer, Minister for Economic Development, Business and Tourism and Minister for Sport, Racing and Gaming) (6.17), in reply: At question time Mr Smyth asked me about a question on notice. I think I said, "If I have some written advice and it is not a cabinet paper, I will get it to you."I do not have such a paper, so unless I find one, assume that one does not exist.

During the debate on the MPI, Mr Smyth referred to the Ratepayers Association. A year or so ago I was approached by someone purporting to be the president of the Ratepayers Association. I asked him how many members they had. He was not sure. I asked him for the last couple of annual reports. They have not been forthcoming. I rather think that the Ratepayers Association is a non-existent organisation that offers a convenient title when a certain gentleman wants to go out in public and make comment.

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