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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2003 Week 10 Hansard (24 September) . . Page.. 3604 ..

MR SPEAKER: I would also like to acknowledge the presence in the gallery of the former member Mr David Lamont. Welcome, Mr Lamont.

Bushfires-fuel reduction program

MR HARGREAVES: My question is to the Minister for Environment. I understand that, in the wake of last January's fires, the government has committed to a comprehensive fuel reduction program, particularly in areas of nature parks that adjoin many of our city's suburbs. Can the minister outline the progress to date on the fuel reduction program and measures that the government has adopted to keep the community informed?

MR STANHOPE: I thank Mr Hargreaves for the question. It follows a question asked-

Mrs Dunne: I take a point of order, Mr Speaker. There is an unanswered question on this subject on the notice paper. I cannot give you the number off the top of my head, but I had a letter yesterday from the Chief Minister saying that he could not answer the question in the time allotted and asking whether I would give him time off for good behaviour, or something like that. I think that the question Mr Hargreaves has asked is roughly the same, except mine was more detailed, as the question I have on the notice paper.

MR SPEAKER: Please repeat your question, Mr Hargreaves.

Mr Hargreaves: I said:

I understand that, in the wake of last January's fires, the government has committed to a comprehensive fuel reduction program, particularly in areas of nature parks that adjoin many of our city's suburbs. Can the minister outline the progress to date on the fuel reduction program and measures that the government has adopted to keep the community informed?

Mr Quinlan: Is that No 875?

Mrs Dunne: Yes. On the point of order, Mr Speaker: Mr Hargreaves asked, "What progress has there been to date?"In question No 875 that I have on the notice paper, I asked: how much has already been done in accordance with the bushfire fuel management program? As at question time yesterday, I had a letter from the Chief Minister saying that they could not answer it because it was too complex and they needed more time.

MR SPEAKER: Has that question been answered?

Mr Smyth: No.

MR SPEAKER: My attention has been directed to page 534 of House of Representatives Practice, under the heading "Question without notice similar to question on Notice Paper", which reads:

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