Page 237 - Week 01 - Thursday, 9 December 2004
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name change from Totalcare, as the original entity winds down its operations. I understand also that the new entity will be subject to potential levies but will be competing for business on the open market, as well as addressing the fleet needs of the ACT public sector.
During the discussions, information was provided that external business has been secured from both the Australian Department of Defence and Centrelink. Whilst, on the surface, this success appears commendable, I need to place on record a personal reservation and, indeed, an opposition reservation about government enterprises of any sort which embark on ventures in direct competition with the private sector, especially when the competitors are often skilled and well-established providers in this area of activity.
As I mentioned on another occasion, whilst there are examples of success in this regard of government business enterprises, there have been many examples around Australia of black holes occurring when outcomes achieved are not as envisaged—and the ACT is certainly no exception in that regard. In any event, the opposition will support these amendments, which seem to be largely of a mechanical nature, to ensure the change of name for this ongoing enterprise.
MR QUINLAN (Molonglo—Treasurer and Minister for Economic Development) (11.45), in reply: I thank members for their support, and take seriously the warning that Mr Mulcahy has just given. We will be making sure that this business operates conservatively. It is only an enterprise of convenience inasmuch as we need a third party to allow novated leases to continue to be in place; otherwise it would not exist. We do not intend to get out there and try to compete with Hertz, Avis or anybody else.
While I am on my feet, I will just let members know that I cannot be here this afternoon, so I would like to interpose my Christmas wishes to all. May you all enjoy Christmas. I look forward to a new year in a rapidly maturing parliament that can take a prideful place among the other parliaments of Australia. It is a great pleasure to be here today to see the parliament work in such a constructive and effective manner—so far today, in contrast to yesterday. To all: have a good Christmas.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
Bill agreed to in principle.
Leave granted to dispense with the detail stage.
Bill agreed to.
Suspension of standing and temporary orders
MRS DUNNE (Ginninderra) (11.47): I move:
That so much of the standing and temporary orders be suspended as would prevent notice No 1, private members’ business, relating to rural leases in the Molonglo Valley, being called on forthwith.
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