Page 3328 - Week 11 - Tuesday, 20 September 2005
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items. It is good to see that this has been tightened up. I have to say that I believe it was on the part of the opposition that this was brought to the fore, but one would have to say that it had a double-edged sword effect. We have removed the problem to an extent; however, in travelling around the traps, one still sees large amounts of rubbish collecting around charity bins. It is unfortunate and, as the minister says, regrettable that some members of our community continue to persist in disposing of all manner of items around charity bins. Of course, this has had the effect of many organisations removing those bins that people used as drop-off points to drop goods that could be recycled back into the community.
We will obviously support the bill. I also support Mr Pratt’s amendment because I do not believe the bill is tight enough under section 17. I do not know whether it has been circulated yet, but I believe the words in the amendment will cover the carrying of ID by inspectors and inspectors being required to automatically show that ID. Any move to keep our city clean and tidy is welcomed. I welcome the government’s change on this and commend the opposition for putting the amendment forward. I ask members to support that, in the interests of sensibility.
MR HARGREAVES (Brindabella—Minister for Disability, Housing and Community Services, Minister for Urban Services and Minister for Police and Emergency Services) (10.57), in reply: I signal to the opposition, in case they wish to reconsider, that the government will not be supporting the amendment. I want to address a couple of the points made by Mr Pratt in his support for the bill, and I also want to express the appreciation of the government to the opposition for supporting the thrust of the bill. This is actually rather mechanical. Every now and again, when one decides to lift one’s game in any area, one finds that mechanical legislative amendments are needed. This is one of those.
Firstly, can I say that it was not in response to pressure from the opposition that the charity bins blitz was commenced. It was the fact that I got the absolute angered irrits at seeing it around my own electorate and decided that we were not being tough enough. The day I respond to opposition pressure is the day I will cease to be a member of this place.
Mrs Dunne: What a stupid thing to say!
MR HARGREAVES: Mrs Dunne, I suggest a Bex and a good lie down; it is a really bad start to the week. If you do not like what you hear, bad luck to you!
Mrs Dunne: I worry about the electors of Brindabella!
MR SPEAKER: Conversations across the chamber are disorderly. Just direct your attention to the matter under discussion, please.
MR HARGREAVES: I do not appreciate having the word “stupid” put across the chamber at me by Mrs Dunne. Let the record show that she demeans herself.
MR SPEAKER: It was disorderly.
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