Page 3790 - Week 09 - Tuesday, 24 August 2010
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the challenge, the understanding and the knowledge that he has of the need to grow your revenue base to match the demand for government services. The opposition come in here continuously, every sitting day, and ask, “Why aren’t you doing enough? Why hasn’t this been done?” You understand the need to increase government service outputs. What you do not do is match up the puzzle with how you are going to deliver that and how you are going to pay for it.
When you look at the challenges that are ahead for the ACT and the fact that only 30 per cent of our budget is funded through own-source revenue and the fact that our health system is growing, our education system is growing, our transport system is growing—all of those challenges—I think Mr Quinlan is very well placed, with a very thorough understanding of government and the community, to lead this work, ably assisted by independent expert advice.
MR SMYTH: A supplementary, Mr Speaker.
MR SPEAKER: Yes, Mr Smyth.
MR SMYTH: Thank you, Mr Speaker. Treasurer, what assurances have you obtained from Mr Quinlan that his bias against the investment community will not influence any recommendations that he might propose?
MS GALLAGHER: That question is just silly, Mr Speaker. Mr Quinlan will approach this piece of work with the professionalism and skill that he has displayed in his many years of political and community service to this town.
Alexander Maconochie Centre—women’s and children’s program
MS BRESNAN: Thank you, Mr Speaker. My question is to the Attorney-General and is about the AMC’s women and children’s program. Minister, I understand that, while there is now a finalised policy regarding this program, there are physical impediments presented by the AMC that will prevent a mother from having her child with her, even if it is in the best interests of the child and all housemates are signed up to a care plan. Minister, given that in recent months there have been applications made to the women and children’s program, why hasn’t the AMC been made physically ready for any potential baby or child?
MR CORBELL: Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am not aware of any physical impediments that would prevent a female prisoner from having her newborn child with her, should that be approved under the existing policies and procedures—in fact, quite the opposite. The advice I have from AMC is that all necessary physical facilities are in place and equipment is in place that would permit that to occur, should it be approved through the appropriate policies and procedures.
MR SPEAKER: A supplementary, Ms Bresnan?
MS BRESNAN: Thank you, Mr Speaker. Minister, why has it been implied to the women at the AMC that there was potential for a woman to have her child with her when, in actual fact, the AMC is not ready for this?
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