Page 35 - Week 01 - Tuesday, 12 February 2008

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We want the process to start early so that a person who has been injured or allegedly injured gets into rehabilitation and that their recovery then becomes the focus, rather than maximising compensation.

Mr Mulcahy: Have you tried to get a police report of an accident?

MR STANHOPE: Well, it is either/or. It is simply an online electronic document that sets out the circumstances. All it does is provide access to the first $5,000 for that person who does have some upfront costs. The point is that people not become embroiled in a process that focuses on access to cash or compensation at the expense of their rehabilitation and recovery. We are going here on experience, and the evidence that we have before us in the ACT is that it does not happen under our existing scheme. In Queensland it is happening to a far greater extent. These are the provisions that we are replicating. The evidence and information available is that it works and we should pursue this structure.

The point has been made now by a couple of members that there is an anticipated amendment that there be a formal review. This could most certainly be part and parcel of that. I would be happy to include it as a specific requirement or request to review. I do not think that is necessary. Even along the way, if it does not work, it can always be changed. But our advice is, and the evidence is, that it works.

Question put:

That Mr Mulcahy’s amendments to Mr Stanhope’s amendment be agreed to.

The Assembly voted—

Ayes 2	Noes 15
Dr Foskey	Mr Barr	Ms MacDonald
Mr Mulcahy	Mr Berry	Ms Porter
	Mrs Burke	Mr Pratt
	Mr Corbell	Mr Seselja
	Mrs Dunne	Mr Smyth
	Ms Gallagher	Mr Stanhope
	Mr Gentleman	Mr Stefaniak
	Mr Hargreaves

Question so resolved in the negative.

Debate interrupted in accordance with standing order 74 and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for a later hour.

Sitting suspended from 12.31 to 2.30 pm.

Questions without notice

Schools—closures

MR SESELJA: My question is to the Chief Minister. Chief Minister, on 12 August

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