Page 938 - Week 03 - Thursday, 28 February 2013
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That said, Madam Deputy Speaker, this bill makes important changes to a range of other provisions. It deals with issues around sexual offences, it deals with issues around protections for sexual offence victims, and it deals particularly with vulnerable victims under the age of 18.
I thank members for their support of the bill in principle and urge members to consider carefully the issues raised in the detail stage of the debate.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
Bill agreed to in principle.
Detail stage
Clause 1.
Debate (on motion by Mr Seselja) adjourned to the next sitting.
Disability Services Amendment Bill 2012 (No 2)
Debate resumed from 29 November 2012, on motion by Ms Burch:
That this bill be agreed to in principle.
MR HANSON (Molonglo—Leader of the Opposition) (11.30): I rise today in support of this bill. The Canberra Liberals have long been advocates of those with a disability and the disability sector, thus recognising the importance of receiving quality care and services. As such, moves that will enhance and protect the standard and quality of disability services will have our in-principle support.
The Disability Services Amendment Bill 2012 legislates disability service standards, which are currently dealt with through contracts and policy. It will allow ministerial approval of standards and establish regulations relating to compliance, performance and enforcement of these standards. We have been advised that a legislative platform is the key as we move towards the rollout of the national disability insurance scheme and new national disability service standards that are in draft form and undergoing consultation.
Madam Deputy Speaker, while I repeat that we will be supporting this bill, I do caution that we will be watching the minister closely and will be closely monitoring any regulations that the minister puts forward. As with any bill that seeks to give a minister additional power, this will be monitored closely by the opposition, particularly given the record of this particular minister.
DR BOURKE (Ginninderra) (11.32): I am pleased to voice my support for the Disability Services Amendment Bill. The Disability Services Amendment Bill 2012 (No 2) amends the Disability Services Act 1991 and will allow the minister to approve disability service standards and establish regulation-making powers for this
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