Page 2828 - Week 09 - Wednesday, 17 August 2005
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designed to do that—more buses during the peak times, direct to the places where people work. They are the main reason why ACTION is now regularly getting over 20,000 boardings a day. We have increased frequency and the directness of service and have got rid of the stupid, crazy three-zone system that Brendan Smyth introduced that meant if you lived in Tuggeranong, Belconnen or Gungahlin you had to pay twice to get to the city. That was a great mechanism to encourage people to use public transport. It was cheaper to pay for parking than it was to catch the bus. That was the initiative the Liberals brought us. In contrast, we have a comprehensive program in place. It is delivering results. We will continue to focus on this very important area.
Bushfires—coronial inquest
MR SESELJA: My question is to the Attorney-General. Mr Stanhope, in your capacity as the first law officer of the ACT, does Coroner Maria Doogan still have your full confidence?
MR STANHOPE: I have full confidence in the courts of the ACT. As Attorney-General and first law officer, I take my responsibility for the administration of justice very seriously. It was as a result of my commitment to my duties as first law officer and Attorney-General that I have at all times in relation to every aspect of the coronial inquest taken the decisions that I have taken in furtherance of my duty as I see it consistent with the principles by which I operate as a politician and as a minister. At every stage of my period as Attorney-General I have always sought to support the courts and the administration of justice to maintain public confidence in the administration of justice. Yes, I support all of our courts and all of our judicial officers.
MR SESELJA: I ask a supplementary question. Given that you supported an action alleging bias against the coroner, at what point did you regain confidence in Coroner Doogan?
MR STANHOPE: I at no stage lost confidence in the coroner. Indeed, I have at no stage lost confidence in any of the courts or any court official. That is unlike, of course, the loss of confidence that three members of the opposition have in their leader. When we get to the question of confidence—
Opposition members interjecting—
MR STANHOPE: Reflecting on the extent to which Mrs Dunne has marooned herself on the dam, I was moved to think that Mrs Dunne honestly believes that when Richard Mulcahy finds the bottle to launch the challenge, Mrs Dunne wants to take on Bill Stefaniak and be the deputy. Talk about loyalty!
Members interjecting—
MR SPEAKER: Order, Chief Minister! Order, members! Come to the subject matter of the question.
MR STANHOPE: I have full confidence in all the courts and tribunals of the ACT. I have full confidence in each of the judicial officers in each of the courts and tribunals
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