Page 1186 - Week 03 - Thursday, 31 March 2011
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MS LE COUTEUR: A supplementary, Mr Speaker.
MR SPEAKER: Yes, Ms Le Couteur.
MS LE COUTEUR: Minister, has action 36, one million new trees, been completed? If so, what trees are included, does this in fact include shrubs, and specifically are the trees in the arboretum included and are there any ecological value requirements for a tree to be counted in the one million?
MR CORBELL: I regret that I am not keeping track of the number of shrubs, I have to confess, nor do I know where the line is between a shrub and a tree, and where we draw that line. Perhaps we need to investigate that issue more closely, about where a shrub—
Mr Seselja: What about hedges? Where do you put them?
MR CORBELL: Indeed, Mr Seselja; where hedges fall in relation to this matter as well. The government has undertaken significant work in tree replacement and the planting of new trees. In particular, in the Cotter catchment following the 2003 bushfires a very significant level of tree planting has occurred. I am happy to provide further and better particulars, including the number of shrubs, to Ms Le Couteur.
Bimberi Youth Justice Centre—inquiry
MRS DUNNE: Minister, are you aware of any documented evidence in any part of your department that might suggest attempts to cover up attitudes within the department that would prevent or discourage staff from contributing to the Bimberi inquiry? If yes, will you table such documented evidence by the close of business today?
MS BURCH: No, I am not aware. I think we have been at great pains to discuss a set of minutes from the ATSIS unit. I also tabled yesterday a letter from the manager, a public service officer, Neil Harwood, that clearly and explicitly puts forward his case and explanation of those minutes. If Mrs Dunne feels that Neil Harwood is misrepresenting himself or that unit, then I dare her, I ask her, to say that. If not, then take the honesty of that officer as the truth that he has provided.
MR SPEAKER: Yes, a supplementary, Mrs Dunne.
MRS DUNNE: Minister, has your office been advised at any stage that there may be documented evidence of a departmental cover-up?
MS BURCH: No, Mr Speaker.
MR COE: A supplementary, Mr Speaker.
MR SPEAKER: Yes, Mr Coe.
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