Page 496 - Week 02 - Wednesday, 19 February 2020
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MR WALL: Minister, why are Access Canberra and the road transport unit failing to adequately meet the demands of Canberrans, particularly following the hailstorm, when a significant number of vehicles are being brought in from interstate, and why is it that Access Canberra fails to advise residents when they seek to make a booking that two inspections are required and that they should be made at the same time?
MR RAMSAY: I thank Mr Wall for the supplementary question. I will take the second part of the question on notice.
In terms of the first part, there is obviously a substantial increase in matters relating to inspections of vehicles in relation to the unprecedented hailstorm that moved through in January, which has been classed as the worst hail in at least 20 years. Access Canberra is doing a fantastic job, and it is disappointing to hear Mr Wall talk down the people who are working so hard in Access Canberra and say that they are failing to provide services.
Access Canberra has some of the most dedicated and most highly skilled people across the ACT public service. They are providing an excellent service. They have worked extended hours. They have worked around the clock a lot of times throughout January and February. I place on record my highest regard and my appreciation for their dedication and work. At the moment, with that hailstorm, there are circumstances which are not usual. I commend the people of Access Canberra for working extremely hard and doing their best for the people of Canberra.
MS LAWDER: Minister, will you apologise to those Canberrans who have been inconvenienced by the delay in inspections of their replacement cars after the hailstorm?
MR RAMSAY: Madam Speaker, although the hailstorm was not within my control, and nor was it within the control of the people at Access Canberra, for those people who are affected by that at the moment—and there is a delay that is having a negative impact—I do apologise that the difficult and unprecedented circumstances are making it difficult not only for Access Canberra but for the people of Canberra.
To the extent that Access Canberra has not been able to meet those unprecedented demands, I apologise for any delay. I can assure you and other members opposite that the excellent staff at Access Canberra will continue to do everything they can to make sure that the very high satisfaction rating that Access Canberra staff have achieved over a number of years now—amazing success in terms of the satisfaction rating—not only remains but increases.
Emergency services—procedures
MRS JONES: My question is to the minister for Police and Emergency Services. Minister, I refer to audio from the RFS radio that gave RFS units permission to use lights and sirens to get to the Beard fire, and I quote: “Yeah, COMCEN to all units—well RFS units—you can utilise your lights and sirens at road speed to manage traffic. Feedback: utilise your lights and sirens at road speed to get through traffic. Over.”
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