Page 3627 - Week 12 - Thursday, 13 October 1994
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .
The Government acknowledged that this is a matter already under consideration in the context of the Government's adoption of recommendation 7 of the working group's report. I think it is interesting when it is seen in conjunction with recommendation 6, which suggests that the Government should urgently investigate the effect of service station closures on the planning concept of local shopping centres. I think that there is an interesting argument being presented by members of the Public Accounts Committee in that instance.
Madam Speaker, I will conclude my remarks on this matter by saying that the issue of petrol supply arrangements in the ACT is certainly one of the most difficult issues that this Assembly has had to deal with. My remarks indicate that I do not concur fully with the comments of the members of the Public Accounts Committee in their report on the review of petrol supply arrangements. I do not fully concur with the Government's response to those recommendations either. But I present my views for the interest of Assembly members.
MADAM SPEAKER: Order! The extended time for the consideration of Assembly business has expired.
Motion (by Mr Berry) agreed to, with the concurrence of an absolute majority:
That so much of standing and temporary orders be suspended as would prevent debate continuing to conclusion on notice No. 1, Assembly business, and order of the day No. 1, Assembly business.
MR MOORE (12.25): Obviously, I want to take this matter to a conclusion and to a vote, Madam Speaker; so I will make just three points. First of all, I feel that this house is dripping with hypocrisy today. On the one hand, we have the Government over here, who present themselves as the champions of petrol prices, moving to increase that petrol price while they present themselves in the community as those who would lower petrol prices. On the other hand, we have Mr Humphries moving this disallowance motion; but he was part of a government that increased petrol prices by 3c and he continues to say, "Yes, we want to see the change". The hypocrisy is overwhelming, Madam Speaker. The third point I would like to make is that, in the interests of stable government, I committed myself to ensuring that the Government has the right to have its own budget and to raise its revenue in the way it chooses. Although I find this a hypocritical act, it is on that basis that I will be supporting the Government and voting against this motion.
MR BERRY (Manager of Government Business) (12.25): Join the throng, Michael.
Mr Moore: I am the only one who has been consistent all the way through.
MR BERRY: That is right; consistently asking the Government to spend money and look after the social - - -
Mr Moore: Give me an example.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .