Page 4068 - Week 13 - Thursday, 6 December 2007
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contract in front of me, nor do I have the detail that Mr Smyth is seeking. I am happy to take that part of the question on notice and provide that information in due course.
But it certainly is the case, as is the case, I think, with the other swimming pools that are operated under contract by Belgravia and other providers for the government, that there is provision to make assessments of the issues that Mr Smyth has raised. It is not unusual; it is not unique to the Lakeside Leisure Centre. We are going to undertake that assessment with Belgravia in the months ahead. At this point, the new facility has not opened; so it has no impact at this time.
Education—early childhood
MRS DUNNE: My question is to the minister for education. Minister, on the DET webpage there is a link to what is called “Minister Andrew Barr’s paper on the importance of early childhood education”. When you go to that link you find “The Best Start in Life” and the authorship is attributed to Andrew Barr MLA, Minister for Education and Training. Minister, is this paper all your own work?
MR BARR: This paper was prepared in my office. It is a collaborative effort. I and others in my office have worked on that piece of material. Yes, as is often the case with policy papers, ultimately as minister it is my name that goes on it. But there are others involved in the production of such a piece of work.
MRS DUNNE: Mr Speaker, I have a supplementary question. Why have you passed this paper off as your own work, claiming yourself as the sole author? Is this not plagiarism or perhaps the education equivalent of the Ern Malley affair?
MR BARR: As I indicated in my previous answer, of course a number of people are involved in the production of policy documents. Any member of the opposition would have members of their staff involved in the production of work that goes out under their name. As the minister and the spokesperson for the government on education matters, of course it would go out under my name. There is no issue here at all.
Crime—victim assistance
MR GENTLEMAN: My question is to the Attorney-General. Attorney, can you please advise the Assembly of what steps the government is taking to better integrate services for victims of crime in the ACT?
Mrs Dunne: On a point of order, Mr Speaker; I seek your ruling. There is a debate listed on the program today in relation to victims of crime. I am wondering whether this contravenes the standing orders in relation to anticipating debate.
MR SPEAKER: It is a piece of legislation. The question was specifically about the steps the government is taking.
Mrs Dunne: Does that mean, Mr Speaker, that the minister can’t refer to the legislation this afternoon when he talks about the steps that the government is taking?
MR SPEAKER: The minister can refer to whatever steps the government is taking.
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