Page 2903 - Week 10 - Wednesday, 14 September 1994
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MR LAMONT: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for her question. Madam Speaker, as this Assembly has been informed, the Government has been reviewing the question of transport regulation in the ACT over the last 12 months. A report is shortly to be presented to the Government, outlining the range of reform programs that are being considered for introduction. One of those matters deals specifically with the question of whether or not the current system of licence testing is the appropriate way to continue to award licences in the ACT. It is my very firm view that it is not; that it is in need of substantial reform; and that we should adopt the principle that has been in force in South Australia, where competency based training has been the preferred method of obtaining a licence. Mr Moore would be very well aware of that, considering his questions during the Estimates Committee process about the wider issues of licence testing and vehicle testing in that State.
The proposal is, in fact, to proceed to endorse the concept of competency based training, which would require a person seeking to gain a licence to undergo specified competency based training. That competency based training - - -
Mrs Carnell: That is not the question.
MR LAMONT: Mrs Carnell, I have found in the past that, unless I speak basically in monosyllables and very slowly, I can tell you a lot of things but you simply do not understand them; so I am taking some time to make sure that you at least understand the context within which your question is asked and my answer is being given.
What we are proposing to do, Madam Speaker, is to implement a system that will require that learn to drive schools become accredited and that they, in fact, be able to undertake the provision of particular competency based training within a defined program for learner drivers. This process will require, and I am confident of achieving, the cooperation of the driving schools within the ACT; it will require, and I am confident of achieving, the endorsement of this Assembly; and it will require, and I believe will achieve, the overwhelming support of this community.
To answer your question on cost, Mrs Carnell, I need to put it in that context. South Australia, after an extensive review very similar to ours, came to the position which said that competency based training should be made available. That cost was between $300 and $350. It could have been a little higher, depending upon the number - - -
Mrs Carnell: How much will it cost here, and how much will the first aid training cost?
MR LAMONT: Let me finish, Mrs Carnell. The cost will depend upon the rate of attainment of competency based skills accreditation through that system. If a person is unable to acquire the required level of competency, they may require additional instruction, and that is reasonable. That is the process that we are adopting. The cost will depend upon how quickly the individual is able to pick up those skills and the length of time they take in going through that process comfortably. But the question you have not asked, because you are not game to ask it - all you want to do is to get - - -
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