Page 207 - Week 01 - Wednesday, 10 February 2010
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
need to redraw the line on what is and is not acceptable practice. This is the starting point for a cultural change. This is the central theme around which our motion and our work in this area are constructed.
In terms of some of the specific comments in the debate today, I want to reassure the minister that I do understand the concept of a lockout—not a throw out. But our research indicates that nonetheless there still seems to be a spill-out effect at those times—for a range of reasons, including people failing to get back into venues and a range of other matters.
Whilst we have accepted the government’s amendments, I am unclear why the Greens’ proposal to ensure that the public and hospitality staff are fully informed about all proposed changes was excluded from the amendment. As I touched on earlier, it is really important that, if we do pass these changes, we ensure a good education program for both the general public and the staff and those working in the industry affected by this. We need to ensure that there is that education, that awareness-raising, around the new provisions before they come into effect, so that they have maximum impact.
That said, I am pleased to see this motion passed today. I am pleased to see the support in the Assembly for the sorts of measures that I think are needed. The Greens are aware that legislating in 2010 will be only the first step in sparking the required cultural change. We will continue to work towards a Canberra nightlife that we all want and deserve. Ultimately, our desire is that people are able to go out and have a good time—to enjoy the nightlife in the city without having that fear of unsolicited violence, that fear of getting caught up in something that may lead to some sort of tragedy.
I look forward to seeing the legislation come into the chamber, to having a detailed discussion at that time and to getting some measures in place that can be the beginnings of that cultural change that we sorely need.
Motion, as amended, agreed to.
Childcare—services
MRS DUNNE (Ginninderra) (4.34): I move:
That this Assembly:
(1) notes:
(a) the poor performance by the ACT Government which has seen ACT childcare services become the most expensive in the country;
(b) the importance of community-based organisations in the childcare industry in the ACT;
(c) the lack of long-term planning by the Government to provide adequate support for the childcare industry in Canberra, particularly those which are community based;
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video