Page 1723 - Week 05 - Thursday, 11 May 2017
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MR BARR (Kurrajong—Chief Minister, Treasurer, Minister for Economic Development and Minister for Tourism and Major Events) (4.30): I agree with Mr Coe in that this is a straightforward amendment, but we believe it is unnecessary. It simply states and repeats what is required elsewhere in territory law—that the authority must comply with the laws of the territory. We think it is redundant in this context, and we will not be supporting the amendment.
MS LE COUTEUR (Murrumbidgee) (4.30): We also will not be supporting this amendment, for the same reasons that Mr Barr says—it is simply redundant.
Amendment negatived.
Clause 9, as amended, agreed to.
Clauses 10 to 12, by leave, taken together and agreed to.
Proposed new clauses 12A and 12B.
MR COE (Yerrabi—Leader of the Opposition) (4.32): I move amendment No 2 circulated in my name [see schedule 4 at page 1778]. This amendment inserts proposed new clauses 12A and 12B. This is a very important accountability and transparency measure that the Canberra Liberals are putting forward today. We believe there is a real concern with the legislation as it currently stands with regard to reporting to the public and, in particular, reporting to the Assembly. What this amendment does is create a requirement for quarterly reports to be submitted to the Assembly. I believe the information contained in these quarterly reports will help to ensure that the Assembly is keeping track of the activities of the authority and, importantly, the acquisitions of any agency.
MR BARR (Kurrajong—Chief Minister, Treasurer, Minister for Economic Development and Minister for Tourism and Major Events) (4.33): The government’s view is that the annual report is the appropriate public reporting mechanism and that introduction of this level of reporting would create an unreasonable administrative burden for the authority. Of course, estimates and annual reports hearings provide additional and appropriate scrutiny opportunities. I understand that Ms Le Couteur will be moving an amendment to Mr Coe’s amendment, and I indicate that we think that strikes the right balance and will support Ms Le Couteur’s amendment.
MS LE COUTEUR (Murrumbidgee) (4.34): As Mr Barr said, I will be moving an amendment which I think is more appropriate.
MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER: I am a little confused here. Are you moving an amendment to Mr Coe’s—
MS LE COUTEUR: No, I believe I have to wait for Mr Coe’s to be dealt with and then—
MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER: I think I was just misled a little bit there.
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