Page 1010 - Week 03 - Wednesday, 17 March 2010
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Leave granted.
MR HARGREAVES: I thank members very much. I make this statement, as I said, on behalf of the committee chair, Ms Hunter, who is unwell, and we wish her a speedy recovery.
Yesterday the Assembly agreed that the committee’s report on greenhouse gas emission reduction targets would be presented by the last sitting in August 2010. As members will recall, the committee tabled an interim report for the inquiry on 15 September 2009. We had intended to table our final report this month but we sought the approval of the Assembly for a later tabling date as the completion of our inquiry has been impeded by a range of factors.
The future of the proposed carbon pollution reduction scheme is still unclear, with the legislation package being negotiated with a view to passage through the Senate yet again. The legislation may impact on our recommendations. Secondly, our interim report made a range of recommendations relating to the need to assess the costs and benefits of climate change strategies, and we have sought advice from the Independent Competition and Regulatory Commission, but we are yet to receive that.
I am sure that members agree that this extension of the tabling date of our greenhouse gas emission target inquiry report is a prudent and precautionary response to changing circumstances.
Allegations against members’ staff
MRS DUNNE (Ginninderra) (3:27): Mr Speaker, I seek leave to move a motion requiring the minister for education to withdraw the remark “guttersnipes” and other remarks in relation to Liberal opposition staff.
MR SPEAKER: Mrs Dunne, I am just going to take some advice on this one. We had a conversation about this earlier in which I agreed to review the tapes.
MRS DUNNE: Yes, I know. But there were remarks made and I think that it is appropriate that they are withdrawn sooner rather than later. The minister knows he made them and, seeing that the minister was given an opportunity to withdraw and he has not, I seek leave to move a motion requiring him to withdraw.
MR SPEAKER: One moment, Mrs Dunne.
MR BARR (Molonglo—Minister for Education and Training, Minister for Planning, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation and Minister for Gaming and Racing) (3:27): Mr Speaker, rather than put the Assembly through a motion, I withdraw those comments if that would prevent a motion from being moved.
Mr Smyth: And apologise.
MR BARR: Yes, I withdraw those comments.
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