Page 3906 - Week 15 - Tuesday, 15 December 1992
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A summary offence, with a $1,000 penalty and no term of imprisonment, is a better way to deal with that sort of low-level behaviour. So, rather than talking increased powers, we should talk increased flexibility. The police now have a range of measures to deal with violent behaviour, from this simple offence of fighting through to the more serious offences, which will continue to be used for serious levels of violence that cause real injury. I am pleased that there has been unanimous support for this measure. It will send a strong message to the community that the whole Assembly, as well as this Government, is serious about dealing with problems of public disorder in the streets and violence against our young people.
I am particularly pleased at the comments that were made by all members about the way the AFP police the city. The thing that is most striking, when one goes out with the beat squad in particular, is the good relations that generally apply between that squad and young people, who realise that the police are there to ensure that they can go out and have a good time, have a few drinks, have a dance and enjoy themselves. That is the way I am sure we would all like to see it continue.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
Bill agreed to in principle.
Leave granted to dispense with the detail stage.
Bill agreed to.
HOUSING ASSISTANCE (AMENDMENT) BILL (NO. 2) 1992
Debate resumed from 26 November 1992, on motion by Mr Connolly:
That this Bill be agreed to in principle.
MR CORNWELL (8.33): Madam Speaker, the amendments proposed by this legislation fall into two categories. The first concerns the internal operations of the Commissioner for Housing's administration, specifically, firstly, increasing from $500,000 to $1.5m the monetary limit on the value of contracts the commissioner may enter into without ministerial approval; secondly, extending the housing loans HomeBuyer program; and, thirdly, improving the review process for decisions made under housing assistance programs by the Commissioner for Housing. The second category covered by these amendments concerns alterations agreed to, I understand, by all State and Territory governments to improve the planning and accountability provisions and the extensions of housing assistance under the Commonwealth-State housing assistance scheme.
The Liberal Party has no problem with the second category. However, two aspects of the first category call for explanation, we believe. While the Liberal Party supports any sensible and responsible action that would enable people to be housed, preferably in accommodation they ultimately will own themselves, we wish this to be done responsibly.
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