Page 3346 - Week 11 - Thursday, 22 September 1994
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CEMETERIES TRUST
MR LAMONT (Minister for Urban Services, Minister for Housing and Community Services, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Sport) (4.33): Madam Speaker, yesterday during question time Mr Humphries asked whether I was aware of a report from Mr Peters concerning an issue involving the Cemeteries Trust. Mr Humphries also asked that a copy of that report be tabled. Madam Speaker, I undertook to provide an answer for Mr Humphries today. The report was of an investigation arising from a personnel grievance. It related to allegations of improper practice and management deficiencies. The report found that the allegations raised were not substantiated, but did recommend changes to management procedures, which the trust has accepted and implemented. Because the report relates to personnel matters and individuals, it would be improper to table it. However, I am prepared to offer to Mr Humphries the opportunity to read it in confidence.
QUALITY OF THE ENVIRONMENT
Discussion of Matter of Public Importance
MADAM SPEAKER: I have received a letter from Ms Ellis proposing that a matter of public importance be submitted to the Assembly for discussion, namely:
The need to ensure that all possible measures are undertaken to guarantee the quality of the ACT environment.
MS ELLIS (4.34): Madam Speaker, the ACT environment is the envy of the rest of Australia. We can be proud, as Canberrans, of the exceptional environment that we enjoy here in the capital. The Government firmly believes that a healthy, natural environment should be a birthright for all, and that future generations have a right to the same choices and benefits that we have enjoyed. It is our responsibility, as members of the community, to manage our environment to achieve this. While I believe that this responsibility encompasses the whole community, the Government must also ensure that opportunities are provided to the community not only to enjoy our environment but to enhance and improve it. In saying this, Madam Speaker, I am pleased to say that the ACT Government has an enviable record as managers and custodians of the ACT's environment. However, the Government is not resting on its laurels. There is still much to be done, and the development of strategies in all areas of environmental protection, management and enhancement is vital.
A key ongoing priority for the Government, Madam Speaker, is the development of the ACT environment strategy. A draft of the strategy was released in December last year by the Minister for the Environment, Land and Planning for public comment. Comments on all aspects of the document reflected the interest of a wide range of general community, environment and industry groups as well as professional bodies and individuals.
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