Page 1757 - Week 05 - Wednesday, 15 May 2019
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I have said repeatedly that I understand that for some people this is a significant change. But on this issue of safety, the implication from the Canberra Liberals that somehow children are not safe on our public bus service is offensive. It is dangerous. It shows an utter lack of leadership from the Canberra Liberals.
All members in this place have a responsibility to have a reasonable and respectful debate. I know some members opposite find that very difficult, but there are responsibilities on all of us. Members in our community look to the Assembly to provide representation, leadership and advocacy. I accept all of that. Debates will be undertaken in various tones, but I ask the Canberra Liberals what they would say to any parent whose child is currently catching a public bus. Are they unsafe? I would ask this of any school community that on any given day has students arriving at their school on a public bus or on a dedicated school bus: are those children arriving at your school on a public bus any less safe than those coming on a dedicated school bus? Madam Speaker, the answer is no.
This is one of the safest cities in one of the safest countries in the world. I really implore the Canberra Liberals to consider their leadership in the community and the way that they are presenting this issue in the chamber. I think it is offensive and I will say that in any forum in which the Canberra Liberals continue to raise these issues.
I also ask the Canberra Liberals to be clear with the Canberra community on exactly what their policy would be on transport. I welcome any contribution they have to this debate that is reasonable, that reflects some policy thinking on their behalf and that shows some real leadership in our community.
MS LE COUTEUR (Murrumbidgee) (5.19): I am pleased to support the ALP amendment to Miss C Burch’s motion. Miss Burch’s motion has two assumptions underlying it that I disagree with and one part which I think is a good idea—so good, in fact that I have worked with the ALP to have its amendment expanded. I will start with the two bits that I do not agree with.
The first assumption is around school bus services. As elaborated on by Minister Fitzharris, Miss Burch has been putting forward a narrative since the middle of last year that rearranging school bus services is unacceptable. I am afraid that I just do not actually agree with the whole narrative. Yes, the government has a responsibility to ensure that children can get to their nearest public school. That is a totally reasonable expectation. You should be able to send your kid to the nearest school for their age group.
The government also has a responsibility to provide public transport to help the community in general to get around Canberra safely. That, of course, includes schoolchildren. Schoolchildren have the same rights as the rest of the community to get around and the government has a responsibility to ensure that they can get to the nearest practicable public school. Those things I think are clear and fine, and hopefully non-controversial.
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