Page 640 - Week 05 - Tuesday, 4 July 1989
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"Minister for Committees", Mr Wood, who should, I suggest, be paid an extra salary for the sterling work that he does in this very important task.
At this juncture, the Rally would like to congratulate Mr Duby and his advisers on a strong, well-reasoned speech - which happened some time ago now, as we all recall - which is a major contribution to this debate. Much effort has gone into providing the members and the people of Canberra with information on these very important issues, and I am sure that his speech will be required reading for those who seek to participate in this debate.
The Rally believes that this subject is of major importance to the future of this Assembly and the future of good government for the ACT. During the election campaign there was considerable debate on the wide range of issues that this motion canvasses. During that debate the issue of Commonwealth-ACT finance was well to the fore as we all sought to convince the voters that we must obtain the maximum amount of funds for the ACT. The Rally certainly campaigned very hard on that proposal and it was one of the major planks of our policy.
The Rally understands that there is no formal arrangement between the ACT and the Federal Parliament, as is the case between the Northern Territory and the Federal Government. We all saw the lack of such an agreement when $22m of the money allegedly promised to the ACT was locked up into a piggy bank to which they kept the key.
I am well aware, Mr Speaker, that the No Self Government group was not keen on the form of government we have here today. However, in view of a clear realisation among all members that this task we have before us includes responsibility for State, territory and municipal governments, as the motion implies, I would suggest that all members, including Mr Duby, realise that the task we have before us is a major one. I am sure that the select committee will look very closely at this issue, resulting in recommendations which will provide an effective and efficient form of government for the residents we represent.
The next matter in the motion seeks some comment on the form and process by which we were all elected to this place. However, this also reminds us of the way in which self-government was thrust upon us, particularly the voting system that was modified by a series of amendments that had so many wrinkles in them they could have been mistaken for an African elephant - some may even call it a white elephant, and some certainly have. However, it soon became clear during the count that these amendments, agreed to in long, late night sessions in the other place, were wasted as they did not understand what they had inflicted on the voters. Even Malcolm Mackerras kept changing his mind as he realised the wrinkles that had been written into the system. The candidates and the long-suffering Electoral
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