Page 19 - Week 01 - Tuesday, 12 February 1991

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In relation to the Human Rights Bill 1990, the advice I have received from the Government Law Office indicates that, based on the principles of D.F. Jackson QC considered relevant, the Bill would contravene section 65 of the self-government Act, and therefore is contrary to standing order 200. In relation to the Landlord and Tenant (Rental Bonds) Bill 1990, the advice indicates that the Bill would not contravene section 65 of the self-government Act and is therefore in conformity with the standing orders. Given this advice, I have concluded that the Bill does not contravene the provisions of standing orders 200 and 201.

Members will note that the Assembly resolved on 21 November 1990 to postpone consideration of these Bills, together with three other private members' Bills, until such time as the report of the Standing Committee on Administration and Procedures on its inquiry into standing orders 200 and 201 had been presented and debated. Given the advice received, the Assembly may wish to reconsider its order of 21 November 1990, insofar as it relates to the Landlord and Tenant (Rental Bonds) Bill 1990.

CIVIC SQUARE REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT

Ministerial Statement

MR KAINE (Chief Minister), by leave: Members will be aware, Mr Speaker, that there has been some recent community concern about the Civic Square redevelopment project process, and I believe it is appropriate that I advise the Assembly of the current status of the project. My intention is to limit the impact of uninformed speculation and to provide a timeframe for further government consideration of the project.

Mr Speaker, I preface my comments by reminding the Assembly that the Government has adopted an arm's length approach to the selection process. The Government has adopted this approach to avoid any accusations of political deals, and I must emphasise that the Government's first knowledge of tenderers and their proposals will be when a recommendation is put forward to Cabinet for its consideration. This has been done quite deliberately, to remove any possibility or any allegation of political involvement in that decision process.

Without breaching the security associated with the selection process, I will provide the Assembly with the information that I have been given by my senior officers who are oversighting that project. The Government has established an interdepartmental committee, comprising the heads of relevant government agencies, to oversight the probity of the process and to receive reports from independent finance and design assessment panels. The panels comprise highly respected professionals in their fields, and the Government is fortunate to have secured their services for this purpose.


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