Page 1192 - Week 05 - Tuesday, 11 May 1993

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MR HUMPHRIES: Madam Speaker, the question I asked was very simple: In the past 10 years, how many people have been injured through kick boxing competitions in the ACT? Could I have an answer to that question, please?

MR BERRY: Everyone that has been involved in a bout.

Mr De Domenico: How many?

MADAM SPEAKER: The question has been answered.

Life Education Centre

MR MOORE: Madam Speaker, my question is also to Mr Berry, but as Minister for Health. I begin the question, Madam Speaker, by quoting from a press release that was issued on 3 May. It said:

I am appalled at Michael Moore's latest stunt on radio this morning in order to grab cheap publicity and keep his name in the headlines. Mr Moore's call to legalise drugs ahead of addressing more pressing issues is indicative of his lack of real commitment to the issue.

Recognising that the ACT is the only jurisdiction in Australia that has not provided funding to the Life Education Centre, I am wondering what the Minister is intending to do about rectifying this situation for the benefit of the people of the ACT, or will his Government continue with the hypocritical approach reflected in that press release from Mrs Grassby?

MR BERRY: They are being funded.

Revenue Raising

MR KAINE: Madam Speaker, I would like to address a question to the Treasurer.

Mr Lamont: Are you not somewhat down the order, Mr Kaine?

MR KAINE: At least I am asking a question. It is only a few weeks since the Grants Commission delivered a rather devastating blow to the Territory in recommending a reduction in Commonwealth funding of the order of $68m. Given the Government's demonstrated inability to reduce the expenditure side of their budget - I quote the health budget as an example - how does the Chief Minister intend to lift her revenues, which is the other option generally available? In particular, can she identify the new taxes or existing taxes which are going to see a substantial increase imposed on the Territory in July?

MS FOLLETT: I thank Mr Kaine for the question. I would like, first of all, to correct his assertion that we have been unable to contain expenditure. In fact that has been a very great strength of the financial management under my Government. I think it is worth noting that each of the budgets that I have overseen has come out with a slight surplus at the end of the financial year, and the only budget that Mr Kaine brought in and administered came out with a deficit. I believe that the performance on financial management is quite clear.


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