Page 365 - Week 02 - Wednesday, 2 March 1994

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and there is some damage to the property, the landlord can apply for a component of that loan, or in fact all of it. The problem of rising debts to the ACT taxpayer will be avoided. The landlord will be happy. The trust will receive its money back. The Rental Bonds Office will continue to receive the bonds as the law requires. I have discussed this with the Real Estate Institute. They have no problem whatsoever with this particular amendment. I believe that it is a sensible step in the right direction. I trust that the Government, along with the rest of this Assembly, will see fit to accept it.

Debate (on motion by Mr Connolly) adjourned.

DISCHARGE OF ORDER OF THE DAY

MR STEVENSON (10.43): In accordance with standing order 152, I move:

That order of the day No. 1, private Members' business, relating to the Voice of the Electorate Bill 1993, be discharged from the Notice Paper.

A moment ago when I introduced the Electors Initiative and Referendum Bill, there were a couple of comments from members that I made only a short speech, when they expected some stirring arguments. I could have stood up and talked about this being a major economic measure that we could possibly take because it involves the citizens. I could have talked about it being direct democracy. I could have said that the lack of involvement of people in our community would be resolved by giving them an opportunity to introduce binding legislation, but - - -

Mr Berry: But nobody would believe you, so you did not bother.

MR STEVENSON: Mr Berry says that no-one would believe me. In fact, not only do the vast majority of people believe me but I believe them because it is their view. However, I keep in mind that I made an introductory speech in October last when I introduced the Voice of the Electorate Bill. I must also keep in mind that the time for private members business is very brief and that other members have matters to raise. That is why the speech was short.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

HOUSING ASSISTANCE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992

Debate resumed from 23 February 1994, on motion by Mr Cornwell:

That this Bill be agreed to in principle.

MR KAINE (10.44): When I was cut off in my prime on this matter the other day, I was in the middle of making a couple of brief statements that I thought I would like to introduce into the debate. They had to do with the shallowness of the argument put forward by the Government in opposition to this Bill. I can go further than that and say that their argument is such as to totally lack all logic, and it demonstrates a lack of political nous as well. I must say that I am amazed to hear that from Mr Connolly.


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