Page 2700 - Week 10 - Thursday, 15 October 1992
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Madam Speaker, despite some of the questions that have been raised by Mrs Carnell, once we get through the consultation phase of this truly independent complaints unit we will be able to put together a package which I think will serve the people well in accordance with the very clear commitment we gave the people of the ACT when we ran for the last election. We see our election promises as important. This is another of the election promises that we have delivered since coming into government. We intend to follow this one through. I trust that I will have the cooperation of all members of the community, both people who, unfortunately, may need the attention of health providers from time to time and those who provide the services, in the development of this very important feature of the delivery of health services in the Australian Capital Territory. I look forward to the support of members opposite as we develop this process.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
CROWN PROCEEDINGS BILL 1992
Debate resumed from 9 September 1992, on motion by Mr Connolly:
That this Bill be agreed to in principle.
MRS CARNELL (4.07): This Bill facilitates ordinary citizens bringing suits against the Crown in respect of various Australian governments. An esoteric point of law has arisen concerning the capacity of a citizen in one State or Territory to sue the Government, that is the Crown, in court proceedings. It has been suggested that without legislation difficulties might be incurred. This Bill is a response in accordance with a national model Bill which will remove these doubts. The Bill also clarifies the right of the ACT Attorney-General to intervene in judicial proceedings to represent the interests of the Territory, particularly where other governments are involved. It also recognises the rights of other Attorneys-General to intervene similarly in proceedings of ACT courts. On that basis, the Liberal Party will support the Bill.
MR CONNOLLY (Attorney-General, Minister for Housing and Community Services and Minister for Urban Services) (4.08), in reply: I thank the Opposition for their most constructive contribution. The main point of this Bill is that it clarifies the rights of citizens to sue other governments apart from their own, and therefore is an advance in citizens' rights.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
Bill agreed to in principle.
Leave granted to dispense with the detail stage.
Bill agreed to.
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