Page 470 - Week 02 - Wednesday, 15 February 2017

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think it is an impossible position. It begs the question whether it is actually consistent with the public service code of conduct for a public servant to be engaged in this work.

If this Assembly and this government do not back down from this clause I think it will be incumbent upon the head of the service to reflect on whether it is appropriate for her to actually do this work, as is being requested by the government. In light of that, I think it is quite inappropriate for the Labor and Greens parties to put that kind of pressure on a public servant. They are here to serve the government of the day. They are not here to serve the Labor Party and the Greens.

Finally, I also want to draw the Assembly’s attention to the press release that was put out by the government—sorry, by Andrew Barr—on 31 October 2016. That very clearly states, “ACT Labor and the ACT Greens released a new parliamentary agreement today mapping out their shared goals for the 9th Legislative Assembly.” It is clearly a party-political document.

In fact, it pre-dates this government because it was signed beforehand in order to establish the government. Once the government was established the parliamentary agreement is, in effect, irrelevant for the government but relevant to those in the government to determine the agenda that they will take through cabinet and this place.

Madam Speaker, in conclusion, I think we in this place should stand up for the integrity and independence of the public service. We should ensure that no public servant is put in an impossible position, as is happening with this agreement. I call on those opposite and the Greens to stand up for these principles and to support our motion.

MR BARR (Kurrajong—Chief Minister, Treasurer, Minister for Economic Development and Minister for Tourism and Major Events) (12.28): I move the amendment circulated in my name:

Omit all words after “That this Assembly”, substitute:

“(1) notes that:

(a) the Parliamentary Agreement for the 9th Legislative Assembly (the Agreement) sets out a clear, comprehensive and positive agenda for the Government as agreed between ACT Labor and the ACT Greens to deliver even better healthcare, education and higher education services, transport and public infrastructure, social and affordable housing, planning processes, environmental and climate change action, a stronger and more inclusive community for all, reducing gambling harm, strengthening electoral and parliamentary integrity, emergency services and animal welfare for Canberrans;

(b) the Agreement builds on the positive outcomes for the Canberra community from the successful implementation of the Parliamentary Agreements for the 7th and 8th Assemblies; and

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