Page 2255 - Week 06 - Wednesday, 22 June 2011
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conference. Quite clearly, from practice in this place and also looking at House of Representatives Practice, there is a precedent for being out of order.
Mr Smyth: On a point of order, Mr Speaker, Mr Berry has ruled questions along these lines in order, specifically on this issue. I specifically said, “As Chief Minister, do you still hold these views?”
MR SPEAKER: Mr Smyth, the challenge you have created for me is the way you framed the question.
Mr Smyth: She is the minister responsible for all portfolios in this place, and it is quite within order that I ask her these questions.
MR SPEAKER: Thank you. I have made my ruling, Mr Smyth. I am happy to invite you to reframe the question.
Members interjecting—
MR SPEAKER: Order! Let us move on then. The next question; Mr Hargreaves.
Energy efficiency—low income households
MR HARGREAVES: Thanks very much, Mr Speaker.
Members interjecting—
MR SPEAKER: Order! Mr Hargreaves now has the floor. Let us move on.
Members interjecting—
MR SPEAKER: Members, let us move on. Mr Hargreaves.
MR HARGREAVES: Thanks very much, Mr Speaker. I am interested in how the government is helping low income families, so my question is to the Minister for the Environment and Sustainable Development. Can the minister please advise the Assembly on how the government is helping low income families to use energy efficiency to manage pressures on their household energy costs?
MR CORBELL: I thank Mr Hargreaves for the question. This is a very important issue for low income households in Canberra to work out ways that we can reduce their energy and other utility costs by improving energy efficiency in their own homes. That is why the government has focused very strongly on programs to deliver this, particularly through the outreach program which was trialled in mid-2010 to explore new ways of working with the community to reduce their energy costs.
The trial program involved a partnership with five community welfare organisations and contributed in funding a total of $435,000 to provide highly energy-efficient essential appliances to low income households. In addition, Housing ACT was funded to the tune of $950,000 to accelerate existing activities to insulate and draught-seal its
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