Page 2423 - Week 06 - Thursday, 23 June 2011
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
minutes ago indicated across the chamber that he had not received a copy of this ministerial statement. I was certainly under the impression that it was going to be circulated during the lunch break. I checked with my office and I understand that a mistake has been made, that they were not circulated in accordance with the convention of this place, and I apologise for that. It was a breakdown in my office and I cannot do anything more than respond that I was unaware of it until Mr Seselja made that comment five minutes ago.
In the interests of being able to outline the issues in the ministerial statement, I would ask that members accept my most genuine apology.
MR SESELJA (Molonglo—Leader of the Opposition) (3.32): It certainly would have been much better if we had got it. That is why we did not grant leave. I will accept the Chief Minister’s word that she meant to get it to us and that there was a breakdown. So on the basis of that explanation we will not push the point on suspension of standing orders.
MADAM ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Mrs Dunne): I think now that there is a motion we have to actually proceed with that.
MR SESELJA: I understand that. We will let it go through.
MS HUNTER (Ginninderra—Parliamentary Convenor, ACT Greens) (3.33): I would also take that same view that it is most regrettable that we did not receive this in a timely way. I think it just highlights how important it is that that convention be followed. Certainly I know there is another ministerial statement to be made by Minister Burch. We have had a few little issues in the past but I can certainly say that Ms Burch’s office did deliver that in a very timely way today.
I just highlight that it is important to follow this convention but I also echo Mr Seselja’s words.
MR HANSON (Molonglo) (3.34): I will make the brief comment that it is ironic that the MPI this afternoon is on competence in government.
Question resolved in the affirmative, with the concurrence of an absolute majority.
MS GALLAGHER (Molonglo—Chief Minister, Minister for Health, Minister for Industrial Relations and Treasurer) (3.34): I do genuinely thank members for the opportunity to begin a discussion today on increasing the openness of government in the ACT. Through this statement I will outline the practical steps the government will take over the coming weeks and months towards greater openness. This statement will outline what we intend to do as the first measures in promoting greater transparency in government. It will not stop here and we will continue to look at and examine all the opportunities available to us to build upon this commitment.
Let me define exactly what is meant by open government, why it is important and what benefits it offers Canberra’s citizens. Open government is considered to rest on three principles: transparency in processing information, participation by citizens in
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video