Page 5714 - Week 14 - Tuesday, 6 December 2011
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
will still have work to do. All of our services meet the requirements for the over-two. Over 50 per cent meet the requirements for the under-two.
We have made good progress, and the sector has made good progress because this government works with them. This government puts in support for training. This government puts in bricks and mortar support for increased centres. This government puts in bricks and mortar support for upgrading of centres. The Canberra Liberals—every time I say it they stand up to interject—have nothing more than a waiting list which every centre I have spoken to thinks is just the most dismal idea they have heard of.
Industrial relations—work safety
MS BRESNAN: My question is to the Minister for Industrial Relations and concerns the right of inspectors and union representatives to enter work sites when there has been an accident or a health and safety incident. Minister, can you confirm whether, following the Mitchell fire on 15 and 16 September, WorkSafe ACT and union representatives were initially denied entry to the site by the site manager or ACT government employees, despite there being no safety reason to exclude them?
DR BOURKE: I thank Ms Bresnan—
Mr Corbell: The question is about WorkSafe ACT. It is actually my—
MR SPEAKER: Order! One moment, members.
Mr Corbell: On a point of order, Mr Speaker, as Attorney-General I have responsibility for the Office of Regulatory Services, which involves WorkSafe ACT. The question is specifically about activities about WorkSafe ACT and it is therefore within my portfolio responsibilities.
Ms Bresnan: Just on the point of order, I have mentioned WorkSafe, but the issue is actually about right of entry to work sites, which is under the Industrial Relations portfolio.
Mr Corbell: It is about a specific incident, Mr Speaker, which covers WorkSafe ACT.
MR SPEAKER: It is certainly my understanding, and I believe it is the practice of the place, that ministers have a degree of discretion as to which minister answers the question based on their knowledge of who has the most relevant answer. So if Mr Corbell wishes to answer the question, he may do so.
MR CORBELL: I am not aware of any circumstances that saw that play out, Mr Speaker. Obviously the site was under the jurisdiction—
Members interjecting—
MR SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr Corbell has the floor.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video