Page 2998 - Week 14 - Tuesday, 5 December 1989
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .
consultation on our proposals for an integrated package of planning, heritage and environment legislation with a view to introducing the six Bills early next year. This legislation is clearly vital to the future development of Canberra on a stable and rational basis. Our proposals strike a proper balance between economic development and important environmental and heritage considerations. For the first time there will be a sensible and affordable appeals system.
I have announced our detailed proposals for antidiscrimination legislation. Unfortunately, the events of the last few days have prevented the completion of draft Bills this year. This legislation will also be available for introduction early next year. Similarly, work has been proceeding on a dangerous weapons Bill which will provide a new and stronger set of controls on the issuing of gun licences and which will restrict or ban the availability of automatic and some semiautomatic weapons.
We have given instructions for the drafting of amendments to the Domestic Violence Act to extend protection to family or household based relationships and to enable children to apply for protection. We are tackling the problems of homeless youth with new programs targeted at those still at school and at the long-term unemployed. Our response to the report of the Burdekin inquiry into homeless children outlined directions for further initiatives with accommodation and health services.
The housing review established by this Government is working on the housing needs of groups such as the aged, women and disabled people, all of whom have special needs. We are working on means of making home ownership more affordable. These include planning issues like the supply of land, the size of blocks and urban infill and a review of building industry regulations.
Mr Speaker, our Labor Government has taken the initiative in establishing consultative mechanisms at official level, government-to-government, and parliamentary level, with New South Wales and with the local councils in our region. The first consultative forum, planned for the day after Mr Collaery gave notice of today's motion, was to be the venue for announcement of a joint ACT-New South Wales regional economic strategy, yet another initiative by this Government.
The Government's transport strategy announced in October showed yet again that we are prepared to tackle the difficult issues. We are continuing to work to provide better public transport options and to re-route private traffic around Civic.
Mr Speaker, governments should not be changed on a whim. There must be substance. There must be a clear and stated alternative agenda. We have heard no such agenda from Mr Collaery. There is no real rationale for this no-confidence motion. It is a simple power grab.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .