Page 499 - Week 02 - Tuesday, 21 February 2012
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and we have started regularly adopting links to reports that are informing other decisions that cabinet has taken. I think that it is a good suggestion, and it is one that I am happy to discuss with officials from CMCD, about how we could incorporate that detail.
Taxis—licences
MR SMYTH: My question is to the minister for regulatory services. Can the minister confirm that all applicants for a taxi licence in the ACT must complete a language skills assessment through the Canberra Institute of Technology? When was this new requirement introduced?
Mr Hargreaves: Point of order, Mr Speaker.
MR SPEAKER: Yes.
Mr Hargreaves: Is there a “minister for regulatory services”? I think not, in which case the question is out of order.
MR SMYTH: I said “minister responsible for regulatory services”.
Mr Hargreaves: No, that is not what he said.
MR SPEAKER: I will use my discretion. I believe the question is to Mr Corbell and I will allow the question.
MR CORBELL: Thank you, Mr Speaker, but Mr Hargreaves is right: there is no “minister for regulatory services”. The Office of Regulatory Services, including transport regulation, falls within the Attorney-General’s portfolio.
My recollection is that, yes, a new standard has been introduced. This is consistent with a national arrangement, if I recall correctly, whereby all transport ministers around the country have agreed that there should be a minimum standard of English applied in assessing an applicant’s suitability for undertaking work as a taxi driver. On the details of that and confirmation of that I will seek further advice from my directorate.
MR SMYTH: Supplementary, Mr Speaker.
MR SPEAKER: Yes, Mr Smyth.
MR SMYTH: Minister, what is the cost of this course? Where is it conducted and what is the length of time involved in doing the course?
MR CORBELL: Mr Speaker, I do not have any of those details to hand. I would have to take the question on notice.
MR COE: A supplementary, Mr Speaker.
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