Page 3907 - Week 10 - Thursday, 20 September 2018
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
what occurs in the Senate, where from time to time the Senate has ordered the production of documents from statutory agencies of the commonwealth.
In requesting these documents it is also appropriate that the Assembly allow for a claim of privilege and public interest immunity, should either be warranted, and for this to be tested by an independent arbiter. Given the commercial nature of the documents being sought, Icon Water are best placed to judge whether they need to make any such claims. The motion is a sensible way forward and is consistent with the Assembly’s important role concerning accountability. I commend the motion to the Assembly.
MR WALL (Brindabella) (11.59): The opposition will be supporting the motion of the Manager of Government Business today. Whilst last sitting week we did, under standing order 213A seek to have those documents presented in the Assembly, we note the reasons why that has not been possible under the existing standing order and believe that this is a prudent and responsible way forward in ensuring that there is transparency in how these agreements of taxpayers’ funds ultimately are being managed.
MR RATTENBURY (Kurrajong) (12.00): The Greens will also be supporting this. I welcome the approach taken by Mr Gentleman. Although the standing order 213A process was not appropriate, he has proactively taken an approach of essentially mimicking that and putting a very reasonable and sensible alternative in place. We are pleased to support the motion today.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
Australian Capital Territory (Self-Government) Act 1988—section 65
Reference to committee
MR WALL (Brindabella) (12.01): I move:
That this Assembly:
(1) notes the ambiguity in the interpretation of the application of Section 65 of the Australian Capital Territory (Self-Government) Act 1988; and
(2) calls on the Assembly to refer this matter to the Standing Committee on Admin and Procedure for consideration and inquiry into the application of Section 65 of the Australian Capital Territory (Self-Government) Act 1988, specifically:
(a) the ability for non-executive members to amend bills, move motions and introduce private members bills that have a monetary impact on the ACT;
(b) the Assembly’s application of standing order 201a and adherence to the principle of “the initiative of the crown” and how it relates to the Australian Capital Territory (Self-Government) Act 1988;
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video