Page 2348 - Week 06 - Thursday, 10 May 2012
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
budget. However, given the limitation imposed upon us by the self-government act and the doctrine of the financial initiative, the Crown, we accept the proposal as the best available model.
The Greens believe that the separation of powers is very important and that even within the Australian model of government it is possible and appropriate to separate the executive from parliament. This bill is a very good example of the application of a better separation and is consistent with the Latimer House principles that this Assembly adopted as a continuing resolution earlier in this parliamentary term. Of course, a lot of that came about because of the ALP-Greens parliamentary agreement, which included the Latimer House principles.
MR RATTENBURY (Molonglo) (12.22), in reply: In closing the debate in principle I would simply like to thank members for their contribution in the debate today and for their support of this bill. When I introduced the bill in February I said that it seeks to build upon and solidify the institutional independence of the agency that has primary responsibility for providing advice and support to members of this place and to the legislative arm of government more generally. The bill gives full effect to the relevant Latimer House guidelines contained in the Commonwealth (Latimer House) principles on the three branches of government—namely, that the parliament should be serviced by professional staff independent of the regular public service.
I do not wish to repeat any of the detail of the legislation. I think members have addressed that quite well today. We will come back to some of the specific details in the detail stage when there will be some amendments in a number of areas. I would simply like to conclude by again thanking members for their support and commending the bill to the Assembly.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
Bill agreed to in principle.
Detail stage
Clauses 1 to 8, by leave, taken together and agreed to.
Clause 9.
MS HUNTER (Ginninderra—Parliamentary Leader, ACT Greens) (12.24), by leave: I move amendments Nos 1 and 2 circulated in my name together [see schedule 1 at page 2466].
These amendments are quite straightforward. They require that, before appointing a Clerk, in addition to having to consult with the Chief Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, the Speaker must also consult with the leader of any other party that has two or more members in this place.
There are three established parties represented in this place, and we do not believe we should continue to operate under the old two-party system and mindset. That is not
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video