Page 1686 - Week 05 - Tuesday, 3 May 2011
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need to do essentially what we all want to see in the ACT, which is to reduce the rates of people who are driving under the influence of an illicit substance or under the influence of alcohol and are putting us, our families and themselves at risk.
MS BRESNAN (Brindabella) (11.45): This bill proposes amendments to a number of acts to ensure that new drug driving laws can be implemented effectively. The issues around drug driving legislation have been debated here thoroughly. The result was that the Liberals and the Greens passed drug driving legislation. The legislation was proposed by Mr Hanson and the Greens made some amendments, and the outcome was a good one.
The government did not propose any amendments at the time. However, it later introduced another bill that in fact made amendments to assist with the implementation of roadside drug testing. Those changes were introduced and passed in the Assembly last year under the Road Transport (Alcohol and Drugs) Legislation Amendment Bill 2010.
Now we have the Road Transport (Alcohol and Drugs) Legislation Amendment Bill 2011. This is the 2011 addition to last year’s amendment bill, and it makes further amendments to assist with drug driving legislation. I do not want to dwell on this fact, but I will say, as Mr Hanson has made some points, that we have seen on a number of occasions where the government has been—
Members interjecting—
MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER: Members!
MS BRESNAN: Shall I keep speaking, Madam Deputy Speaker?
Members interjecting—
MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER: Mr Stanhope and Mr Hanson, will you please desist.
Mr Stanhope: It was an appalling process; just admit that, Jeremy.
MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER: Mr Stanhope!
Mr Hanson: You are an appalling individual, Jon.
MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER: Stop the clock, please. Mr Stanhope and Mr Hanson, will you please allow Ms Bresnan to continue in silence.
MS BRESNAN: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. I want to comment on the fact that we have seen on a number of occasions where the government, I would have to say, has been unwilling to engage with legislation introduced by the Liberals or the Greens. At the time of debate, the government does not propose any amendments but will vote a bill down, or later introduce identical or similar legislation—or, as in this case, introduce amendments to the bill later on. I think it would be stating the obvious to say that it would be a far better process if the government engaged at the beginning of the legislative process.
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