Page 3134 - Week 10 - Wednesday, 15 September 1993
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of opinion. There has been some consternation within the business community as to the issue of age based retirement. While we thought we had unanimity on that issue through our Industrial Relations Advisory Council, it now seems that there remain some reservations about the issue of compulsory age retirement.
Our intention when we introduced this was to have a two-year delayed commencement in the draft legislation. We believe that this will provide adequate time for employers to adjust to the change, but that clearly has been a matter of some concern. Some employers have expressed concerns about issues such as safety and efficiency and have argued that there are some occupations where there may be a link between age and ability to safely perform particular work. The Government's response is that this has adequately been met by a health and safety exception which does allow special terms and conditions to be set where safety is an issue. There is also an existing provision in the Discrimination Act that will allow those with a genuine case to request a further temporary exemption from the legislation from the Discrimination Commissioner.
Madam Speaker, the paper has attracted widespread community interest. It is generally supported, much for the reasons expressed by Mr Kaine. I think I recall that Mr Kaine, when Chief Minister, did indicate that this was something on his legislative horizon as well. It is a matter on which we have had extensive discussion with the community and we do hope to bring the final fruit of that - that is the Bill in a final introduction form - into this Assembly this year.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT - GOVERNMENT'S POLICIES
Ministerial Statement and Papers
Debate resumed from 18 May 1993, on motion by Ms Follett:
That the Assembly takes note of the papers.
MRS CARNELL (Leader of the Opposition) (4.33): Madam Speaker, the Chief Minister's statement on the business development strategy seems to take credit for everything good that is happening in the business sector in Canberra; but, as we know, much of it has absolutely nothing to do with the Government. The Chief Minister did say, though, that the future development of the ACT must be a partnership between the public and private sectors. It is a great pity that Mr Berry is not here. Mr Berry seems to want to undo what little corporatisation or joint venturing has occurred. Mr Berry certainly seems to be the spoiler of what little reform has been embarked upon in this area. In fact, the Chief Minister did make some very laudable comments in her speech. She said:
... the ACT Government is creating a business environment in Canberra that supports private sector investment and growth.
She also said:
... the Government is taking advantage of every opportunity to continue to promote Canberra as a vibrant and dynamic regional centre with enormous potential for the private sector ...
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