Page 972 - Week 03 - Thursday, 28 February 2013
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MR CORBELL: Again, Madam Speaker, I regret to inform members that, yes, ORS, as members may recall, are dealing with another complaint. That complaint is looking into the circumstances surrounding the possible breach of process in the ACT branch of the Liberal Party as an incorporated association.
That complaint was lodged with the Office of Regulatory Services because they were concerned about the issue of access to the records of the association. It really is quite remarkable that a party that prides itself on its openness and democracy is seeing these types of complaints. Nevertheless, I am encouraged that the appropriate steps are being taken to ascertain whether or not the complaints have merit and whether further steps need to be taken.
The Registrar-General has asked as a result—I remind members about this matter which I was asked about in the last sitting as well—for further particulars from the incorporated association—in this case, the ACT division of the Liberal Party—and will seek to ensure that the association’s constitution and rules are being adhered to at all times. This is, of course, an obligation on the part of the Registrar-General, and I am confident that he at all times will take the appropriate steps.
It is, of course, important that incorporated associations at all times abide by their rules and abide by the requirements of their constitutions when it comes to the interests of their members. It is of concern to many in our community that a significant political party in our city is facing these types of complaints and the circumstances surrounding them, but I am confident that the Registrar-General will take all appropriate steps.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Coe.
MR COE: Minister, what confidence can complainants to the Office of Regulatory Services have that their views are not going to be canvassed in this place, and have you received complaints about other political parties?
MR CORBELL: If I am asked about these matters, I have an obligation to answer them.
Ms Gallagher: I ask that all further questions be placed on the notice paper.
Supplementary answer to question without notice
Municipal services—Yate Gardens
MR RATTENBURY: Earlier in question time Mrs Jones asked me about Yate Gardens in Rivett. I have now sought advice from the directorate. Canberra Connect cannot find any complaints about mowing in relation to Yate Gardens and nor do Parks and City Services have any records of matters around Yate Gardens. Having looked at both Google maps and the block and section map, I am not able to identify a path on Yate Gardens. On that basis I would ask Mrs Jones to perhaps contact my office at a later point in time so that we might identify the specific issue she was raising.
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