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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2004 Week 06 Hansard (Thursday, 24 June 2004) . . Page.. 2636 ..

There were, as you will recall and as you alluded, some other events that predated her actions and, quite frankly, there did seem to be a little race to see who could get the legislation in place. That is one of the sadder commentaries on this particular Assembly and it does often give rise to problems such as yesterday’s. I think it is underscored by Ms Dundas’s appeal for greater recognition in this. I appreciate the motivation, and I appreciate her desire to be seen as the one who is keeping the bastards honest, but the government’s bill does contain the benefits of some practical experience.

After passing the bill, we will have a regime that is far stricter than exists in any other more mature jurisdiction. It is a reflection of the fact that we do have a majority government and we do probably have an overweening focus on process, rather than outcomes. I am quite happy, despite the ructions that occurred, that the funds that have been spent on housing safety have been spent for the public good, rather than having been absorbed back into consolidated revenue and maybe being lost to that cause. The exercise was thoroughly examined and yes, it was a process that went hard up against the restrictions. That is what restrictions are for. If we do not take the maximum opportunity to provide for public good then we are not doing our jobs.

Let me thank the members for their support of the government’s bill again, and the former Auditor-General for being the impetus behind it.

Question resolved in the negative.

Financial Management Amendment Bill 2004 (No 2)

Debate resumed from 14 May 2004, on motion by Mr Quinlan:

That this bill be agreed to in principle.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

Bill agreed to in principle.

Leave granted to dispense with the detail stage.

Bill agreed to.

Sitting suspended from 12.36 to 2.30 pm.

Absence of Chief Minister

MR QUINLAN: Mr Speaker, I advise the house that the Chief Minister will be absent this afternoon attending the state funeral of a great Labor leader, Mr Jim Bacon. I will take his questions on notice, filibuster or dismiss them out of hand—whichever is relevant.

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