Page 3317 - Week 10 - Wednesday, 19 October 2022
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
improvement program that we will continue to make. We will listen to community feedback, we will use information that we collect through things like the household travel survey, through surveying of Transport Canberra customers, about what their needs are, and make improvements to the bus system going forward.
Of course, we have been in a challenging time over the last couple of years with COVID-19 that has seen changes to travel habits and patronage on public transport right around the world, and Canberra is no exception there. Of course, we have a Transport Canberra recovery plan that has a range of different actions that we are taking to welcome people back onto public transport over time as the health advice allows.
MS LAWDER: Minister, can you give a definitive delivery date for light rail services to Tuggeranong? Is it likely to be this century?
MR STEEL: I thank the member for her question. I think ironical expressions are in order. But certainly we have a Light Rail Master Plan that sets out the range of future extensions of light rail that we have an aspiration to build over time. At this stage, we have been very clearly, at the election, that we are going to, firstly, build light rail to Woden as the second stage of light rail, starting with stage 2A and raising London Circuit, and we are getting on with that job.
In order to get to Tuggeranong, you need to take light rail to Woden, so that is the work that we are doing at the moment. We are getting on with the work of bringing it south and it would be great to have some support from the opposition. As late as November last year, Mr Parton said in this place: “Of course we support light rail. Of course we support light rail.” I do not think he would be saying that now, just before they are about to make a backflip announcement about their position on light rail!
Work health and safety—silica dust
MR COCKS: My question is to the Minister for Industrial Relations and Workplace Safety. Minister, in July 2022 the Work Health and Safety Amendment Regulation 2022 (No 1) was introduced concerning crystalline silica.
After its introduction there were clear issues, and a three-month exemption was put in place by WorkSafe ACT for part of that regulation. This exemption period expired on 17 October.
Minister, I understand a further two-week transition period has now been put in place. How can the industry train and purchase the new technologies required with only two weeks’ notice?
MR BARR: I will take this question on Mr Gentleman’s behalf. There has been considerable discussion about this, so the suggestion that there is two weeks notice is rubbish: it has been talked about for months and months.
Ms Stephen-Smith: Years, I reckon.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video