Page 1659 - Week 05 - Thursday, 11 May 2017

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Administration and Procedure—Standing Committee

Report 4

MADAM SPEAKER: (10.57): I present the following report:

Administration and Procedure—Standing Committee—Report 4—Code of Conduct for all Members of the Legislative Assembly for the Australian Capital Territory—Review, dated 10 May 2017, together with a copy of the extracts of the relevant minutes of proceedings.

MR WALL (Brindabella) (10.57): I move:

That the report be adopted.

This report—and we have just adjourned debate relating to the Commissioner for Standards referral process—deals with changes to the code of conduct for members in the Assembly. Since this is the first opportunity that all members have had to view the changes proposed by the admin and procedure committee it has been agreed that the question that these reports be adopted be adjourned until the next sitting.

While I have a very brief moment I will just flag a little bit of concern that I, as the opposition representative on this committee, have with regard to change to No 13 in the code of conduct for members. The intent of point 13 was discussed quite extensively within the committee; it seeks to clarify whether or not members can hold external employment or pursue external activities whilst being a member of the Assembly. Point 13 is about members ensuring that outside occupational or other pursuits do not materially impede their capacity to perform their duties as a member of the Assembly.

Whilst it seeks to clarify whether or not members can engage in outside occupational pursuits, it now seems to introduce another grey area or a threshold question as to what is now a material impediment to the performance of our duty as members. I wanted to flag on behalf of the opposition a slight concern around that specific element of the proposed changes to the code of conduct.

Debate (on motion by Ms Cheyne) adjourned to the next sitting.

Leave of absence

Motion (by Mr Wall) agreed to:

That leave of absence be granted to Mrs Jones for this sitting for health reasons.

2016 ACT Election and Electoral Act—Select Committee

Statement by chair

MS CODY (Murrumbidgee) (11.00): Pursuant to standing order 246A I wish to make a statement on behalf of the Select Committee on the 2016 ACT Election and the


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