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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2003 Week 13 Hansard (26 November) . . Page.. 4768 ..

MR STANHOPE (continuing):

The ACT is also represented on the working group formed to progress this very important issue nationally. Officers of my department are working on that very important part of this overall process. We are heavily involved on every working party, on every working group, with every initiative that is going on nationally in relation to this issue of how to reduce the numbers of plastic bags in Australia. The ACT is leading the way. It is almost the main jurisdiction driving the issue.

I think we all agree that plastic bag use needs to be reduced and recycling enhanced. The ACT is working vigorously towards solving issues associated with plastic bag use. At a national level, options are being developed to address waste management issues and the sustainable recycling of plastic bags. Initiatives are also being developed for consumer education and awareness campaigns for the use of alternatives and reduction of plastic bag use. The efforts of the National Waste Working Group and the Plastic Bags Working Group are quite clearly addressing these issues at a national level and also within the ACT.

I have to say in conclusion, Mr Speaker, that this is just one of your classic trumped-up opposition attempts to get one's name in the paper. This work is being done; everybody knows this work is being done. I have broadcast it widely over the last year. I have indicated to everybody in this community and in this Assembly the work that the ACT has been doing.

Mrs Dunne's performance today, in the media and here in the chamber, in relation to this issue is revealed for what it is-just very petty, shallow politicking, looking for a photo, looking for a little story in the press, misleading the community, misleading journalists, misleading other people in this place, about the work that has been done.

Mrs Dunne: On a point of order, Mr Speaker: three times the Chief Minister accused me of misleading.

MR STANHOPE: You have.

Mrs Dunne: He accused me of misleading in this place and it needs to be withdrawn.

Mr Hargreaves: On the point of order, Mr Speaker: I did ask for your advice recently about the use of the word "misleading"and, as I understand it, your ruling was that if it applies to people in this place then it is unparliamentary but if it applies to somebody else then it is not unparliamentary.

MR SPEAKER: I would require that the words which infer that there was a misleading of people in this place be withdrawn.

MR STANHOPE: I withdraw that suggestion, Mr Speaker. I was simply commenting on what I think most of us have noticed in recent times about the incredibly personal and nasty politics that emanate from Mrs Dunne. I think she certainly has achieved a very certain reputation in this place as the font of almost all poison. I think it is probably about time some of us mentioned it to her.

Mrs Burke: Oh, excuse me!

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