Page 1722 - Week 06 - Tuesday, 7 June 2022

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video


MR STEEL: I am not sure that ironical expressions are in order, but what I would say is that we are seeking information from the CIT Board about what is intended to be delivered through this contract, which has gone through a tender process and has now been signed and notified on the contracts register. We will be asking about how this is a good use of public funds, CIT funds, and an effective and efficient use of expenditure to achieve the outcomes that CIT is hoping for. They are the questions that I am asking. I will be getting information from the CIT Board, as is appropriate under the governance structure, and I will consider that information.

MS LEE: Minister, given that this information is not included, like other contracts, who is providing this service, what are their qualifications, what is their hourly charge-out rate and what are the milestones?

MR STEEL: That is the sort of information I am requesting from the CIT, to provide me with further information. The contract provides a level of information there. I would like further detail about what they intend to deliver and what the outcome measures are under the contract and whether it is an effective use of public funding.

MR MILLIGAN: Minister, how will CIT determine whether these services have been delivered?

MR STEEL: I refer the member to the answer to the last question, Madam Speaker.

Federal government—territory rights

MR PETTERSSON: My question is to the Minister for Human Rights. Minister, with the new make-up of the federal parliament, what preliminary work is the ACT government undertaking in preparation for a possible repeal of the Andrews bill?

MS CHEYNE: I thank Mr Pettersson for the question. It is clear that the ACT is in a much better position to have our rights restored to legislate on voluntary assisted dying, following the federal election in May. We have waited years, decades even, for the federal parliament to repeal the Andrews law, which amended the ACT’s and the Northern Territory’s self-governing acts. It prevents the territories from making laws with respect to voluntary assisted dying. The ACT can’t afford to waste any time on this. The Chief Minister and I are reiterating to our federal counterparts that this is an important issue.

Opposition members interjecting—

Mr Hanson: What do you mean “can’t afford to”, when you can afford $8.87 million on mentoring?

MADAM SPEAKER: Members! Mr Hanson: inappropriate. Please be quiet.

MS CHEYNE: This is an important issue and one that needs to be brought on for debate without delay. It is a simple legislative change that will put us on an equal footing with Australians who live in the states. In anticipation of the Andrews bill


Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video