Page 1925 - Week 07 - Tuesday, 14 June 1994
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It may well require yet another day of sitting in the next week or two. I think that would be quite appropriate. It is important for us, Madam Speaker, to remember that perceptions in this area are almost as important as reality, and it is important that we ensure that those perceptions are conducive to retaining the highest possible level of morale in the public service. I will be working to assist in the achievement of that.
MR LAMONT (Minister for Urban Services, Minister for Housing and Community Services, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Sport) (9.18): First of all, may I thank Mr Moore for his comments. Indeed, I take great heart from a number of those, Mr Moore, that indeed we will be able to meet the 1 July start date for a Territory public service. Secondly, Madam Speaker, I too welcome the recommendation in the committee's report that talks about the establishment of an ongoing committee of this Assembly to review the operations of the ACT Government Service.
Mr Kaine: Accept the recommendations of the last one and I will believe you.
MR LAMONT: I believe, Mr Kaine, that discussions I had with you on this matter - and I was fortunate enough to be a backbencher and contribute to the committee process - and discussions that I had with Mr De Domenico and Ms Szuty indicated that it is the role of this Assembly, as indeed it is the role of government, to ensure that, as far as possible, we show that we can keep abreast of change that is occurring within our own service and help to initiate such change.
I believe that that recommendation will allow for the Assembly, quite properly, to review the operations of the ACT public service over time. I do not believe that that group should be a select committee. I believe it appropriate to consider its establishment as a standing committee of the Assembly to enable the matters to be continually reviewed. The whole thrust of micro-economic reform is that it is a continuing process. For the Assembly to establish a committee to oversight such a procedure would demonstrate quite clearly that there is another level of accountability within our administration.
The Chief Minister has made a number of comments in relation to the establishment of the Legal Aid Commission and the basis upon which we see it going forward, and I do not wish to add anything to those comments. There have been discussions with the DPP's office about ensuring that the staff of the DPP maintain the access and entitlements that they currently have. I think that that is essential. It is appropriate to bear that situation in mind, Mr Moore, as it is appropriate to bear in mind the undertakings that have been given by government. You spoke at some length about the discussions with your Commonwealth counterparts, the Democrats, and the Liberals about changing the Commonwealth legislation to allow in part for tier one rights to be maintained. That is basically what I understand you are proposing, from what I have seen of those amendments.
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