Page 2939 - Week 10 - Thursday, 15 August 1991

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ADJOURNMENT

Motion by (Mr Berry) proposed:

That the Assembly do now adjourn.

Hartley Court - Respite Care

MR HUMPHRIES (5.31): Mr Speaker, I think it is worth noting that six months from today the Territory goes to the polls in the second election held under self-government. At this juncture it is probably worth noting that, in many real respects, the election campaign has already begun. Many of the activities of the parties in this chamber have been directed towards preparing for that election, and I am sure much more will be done in the coming months. But, of course, there is much more for any of the parties in this chamber to do to win the next election than merely selecting candidates, saying things in the public arena, and being seen around town at functions, and so on.

Mr Duby: Far more important things than that, Mr Speaker.

MR HUMPHRIES: Yes, there are other things, Mr Speaker, and they include showing that this Assembly and the people who are in this Assembly have some record of achievement in the area of self-government. There are many things that all of us have done in the last few years to promote particular issues and particular causes, and that is all well and good; but, of course, we need to be bearing in mind at all times that the community as a whole needs to feel some proprietorship of self-government, needs to feel that there is some benefit or gain to be had.

In that regard I would like to suggest to members of the Assembly that there is one particular matter that has come to my attention which I think it would be worthwhile for this Assembly to promote as best it can in the next six months. It is a matter that the previous Alliance Government looked at at some length and was attempting to assist in. The ACT Society for the Physically Handicapped has approached many members of this Assembly to seek their support, particularly through those who are participating in the Queen of Canberra Quest, and those people, I am sure, would have got great support from members of this Assembly.

The society has had some difficulties with the Federal Government for some time concerning the use of Hartley Court. They wish to use part of that facility for respite care and have been unable to do so because of problems under the Disability Services Act of the Federal Government. The society and I think probably most of us here support the general aims of the Disability Services Act to provide a better regime of regulation for people with disabilities.


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