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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2004 Week 02 Hansard (Wednesday, 3 March 2004) . . Page.. 613 ..

Undermining the traditional family has resulted in high levels of family breakdown, domestic violence, child abuse, divorce, welfare payouts, homeless children, juvenile delinquency, illicit drug abuse and suicide, and soaring crime rates.

Mr Speaker, I like what Coleen Clare, the CEO of the Children’s Welfare Association of Victoria, had to say in her closing comments at the state election social policy themes conference in October 2002. She said:

Together we can create an environment where families in all their diversity can flourish, where parents can raise children in a supported space where they can grow and develop in the sure knowledge that they are each respected and valued members of their community. Healthy and happy children who grow up supported in strong families are likely to make good citizens. Families must be crucial to the government’s vision for Victoria’s future.

Mr Speaker, I truly believe the same could equally apply to us here in Canberra. I truly believe it is time that we started to concentrate on the main theme. We talk about rights, we talk about humanity, and we talk about citizens of Canberra. We need to start working on the functionality, or the better functionality, of those units in order to have a better society.

I am asking that this Assembly carefully consider the legislation that I have presented today. I ask that members look through it and that they contact me if they need to know more. It should not be just struck off because it is somebody else’s idea. I am open to any further suggestions or amendments—whatever people see fit. I implore members to look at the bill carefully for the good of the whole. After all, we are in this place for the betterment of the majority—indeed, for all the people of Canberra. I ask that members carefully consider the proposal that is before them.

Ms Gallagher: Mr Speaker, I note that neither an explanatory statement nor a tabling statement has been provided with the bill.

MR SPEAKER: That is a matter for Mrs Burke.

Debate (on motion by Ms Gallagher) adjourned to the next sitting.

Land (Planning and Environment) Amendment Bill 2004

Ms Tucker, pursuant to notice, presented the bill.

Title read by Clerk.

MS TUCKER (10.48): I move:

That this bill be agreed to in principle.

This bill removes from the Land (Planning and Environment) Act 1991 the minister’s power to call in development applications. This issue goes back to amendments to the Land Act at the end of 1996 when the government established the position of

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