Page 702 - Week 03 - Tuesday, 19 March 2019
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Also related to the rates issue, the committee sees a serious need for the government to conduct modelling on the impact of economic downturn on property values and how this could have a disproportionate impact on some property owners. The committee heard from the Under Treasurer that the government sets rating factors in order to meet predetermined revenue targets. At the same time, the committee was also told that the government has not conducted any modelling to forecast the impact of an economic downturn on property values and how this could affect some property owners more than others when it comes time to pay their rates. Recommendation 4 asks the government to consider this issue.
From representatives of Icon Water the committee heard contrasting and contradictory information on the cost of maintaining the Murrumbidgee to Googong pipeline in its various operational modes. As this is a major piece of territory water management infrastructure that is costly to maintain and was costly to build in the first place, the committee feels that it is in the public interest that clear information on the pipeline’s operating modes and their associated cost be provided by Icon Water. Recommendation 6 requests that this information be provided.
Recommendations 7 to 12 relate to workforce capability and governance, the lifetime care and support fund of the Ombudsman’s office, and the Office of the Legislative Assembly. These recommendations seek to improve (1) workplace satisfaction for government employees, (2) government transparency and operational efficiency, and (3) the design and function of the Legislative Assembly building.
I thank all government representatives and other representatives such as those from Icon Water and the Ombudsman who appeared before the committee and provided information in response to the committee’s questions. I also thank my fellow committee members, Ms Cheyne, Ms Cody and Ms Lawder, for their contributions to the public hearings and the report process. I particularly thank the committee secretary, Dr Lloyd, and his assistant, Mr Leary, for the compilation of this report; and my colleagues for the collaborative way in which we dealt with this matter. I commend the report to the Assembly.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
Administration and Procedure—Standing Committee
Statement by chair
MS J BURCH (Brindabella) (11.14): Pursuant to standing order 246A, I wish to make a statement on behalf of the Standing Committee on Administration and Procedure relating to a recommendation of the committee’s recent review of standing orders.
Recommendation 12 of the report, which was tabled last year, proposed that the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body be consulted about reticulating its proceedings in the Assembly building, and that legal advice be sought by the Office of the Legislative Assembly on the potential legal ramifications that might arise, were the body’s proceedings to be reticulated.
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