Page 1713 - Week 07 - Tuesday, 21 August 2007
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I have spoken with the Minister for Territory and Municipal Services in relation to some of the issues that have been raised. I do have expectations, as does each of us, in relation to codes of conduct and standards of behaviour. But in the context of the performance by Mr Hargreaves as a minister, I stand by him. I stand by his performance as a minister. Indeed, the people of Canberra and in his electorate do in the context of his approval rating—the significant vote that he attracts. I have absolutely no doubt that Mr Hargreaves stands ready to present himself again to the people of Tuggeranong as a candidate for the Legislative Assembly.
I have no doubt that Mr Hargreaves will again—as he has in each of the three elections that he has contested as he put himself before the people of Tuggeranong—receive the same significant level of support that he has received on every occasion he has done the same. That is a test that I have absolutely no doubt that Mr Hargreaves is willing to face: a test in relation to his performance and the assessment by the people of Canberra and the ultimate test of that performance that. Mr Hargreaves is willing to take.
We all from time to time do not achieve in a way that on quiet reflection we would perhaps wish we had. I have had many such moments myself. I do reflect on them. I always seek to do better. I am sure my colleague Mr Hargreaves—and each of my colleagues, indeed—aspires to the same.
MR STEFANIAK: Mr Speaker, I have a supplementary question. I am pleased that you have spoken to Mr Hargreaves, Chief Minister. What further action will you take against him if he continues this performance?
MR STANHOPE: Mr Hargreaves is a very solid and high-performing minister with the strong support of his constituents, his community. I support him and will continue to do so.
Ministerial code of conduct
MR PRATT: My question is to the Minister for Territory and Municipal Services. Minister, the ministerial code of conduct states:
All Ministers are to recognise the importance of full and true disclosure and accountability to the Parliament. Under the ACT’s Westminster-style system, the Executive Government of the ACT is answerable to the Legislative Assembly and, through it, to the people.
Last year the estimates committee report stated:
The Committee found many of Mr Hargreaves’ responses unhelpful to its deliberations in the areas of housing, environment, sustainability and ACTION bus services.
This year, the estimates committee report stated on page 6:
During the hearings of 26 June 2007, the Committee considers that the Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, Mr Hargreaves, failed to act in accordance with the Code of Conduct in his dealings with the Estimates Committee.
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