Page 1592 - Week 06 - Tuesday, 12 May 2015
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The social infrastructure in Crace is complemented by a diverse range of housing options for young and old. A denser urban core next to local shops and restaurants showcases well-designed townhouses, apartments and a retirement village in addition to suburban homes. The planning and designing of Crace supports various community activities and lifestyles and results in a lively local shop and public space area. Crace is a great example of a space where community and recreation facilities are provided for the benefit of everyone in the community.As Minister for Children and Young People I recognise that social inclusion is equally important for the youngest members of our community. That is why I launched, in January, a step up for our kids, a new approach to out of home care for some of Canberra’s most vulnerable children. This is a major piece of work, but its aim is simple: to give children and young people in care better lives. Children who have been a part of the care system often fall behind their contemporaries in educational attainment and employment opportunities. In the ACT we want to do all we can to dismantle these barriers by making sure that children and young people in care have every opportunity to be part of a stable, loving home in which they can be nurtured and eventually flourish as adults who can fully participate in our community. Social inclusion lies at the heart of this government, and I commend Ms Berry for her statement.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
Statute Law Amendment Bill 2015
Debate resumed from 19 March 2015, on motion by Mr Corbell:
That this bill be agreed to in principle.
MR HANSON (Molonglo—Leader of the Opposition) (11.16): The opposition will be supporting the Statute Law Amendment Bill 2015, colloquially known as the SLAB bill. Typically, the provisions of SLAB bills are contained in four schedules.
Schedule 1 makes minor, non-controversial amendments initiated by government agencies. This schedule amends one act. The Road Transport (Third-Party Insurance) Act 2008 is amended to enable the appointment of a “public servant” rather than the director-general as the compulsory third-party regulator. Before the Treasury and Chief Minister’s directorates were merged, this was the Treasury director-general, or under treasurer, who had a working knowledge of CTP matters.
The attorney’s tabling speech indicates that the minister would appoint a public servant with appropriate knowledge and experience as the CTP regulator. However, the act does not articulate the qualification requirements for appointment. In addition, under the Financial Management Act 1996, the position is “a corporation” and not an individual such as a commissioner.
Given the significant importance of this role, I was concerned that the power to appoint a “public servant” may be too broad, particularly given the absence of some
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