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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 4 Hansard (8 May) . . Page.. 1109 ..

MR HUMPHRIES (continuing):

This initiative forms part of a series of law reforms implemented by this Government in domestic violence matters, which commenced in March last year with the Government providing bipartisan support to the passage of anti-stalking legislation. This was followed recently, as members will recall, by the introduction into the Assembly of the domestic violence package. That package reviewed the existing legislation relating to the effect of restraining orders and protection orders on the holder of a firearms licence and implements the more protective and precautionary policy initiatives adopted in the firearms legislation. It also amends the Bail Act 1992 to remove the presumption in favour of police bail when a person is charged with a domestic violence offence. These initiatives are indicative of the high level of this Government's commitment to ensuring greater safety to victims of domestic violence. The council, I am confident, will significantly improve the responses of government agencies and community organisations to domestic violence issues in the ACT, and I commend the Bill to the house.

Debate (on motion by Mr Wood) adjourned.

MR HUMPHRIES (Attorney-General and Minister for Arts and Heritage) (10.46): Mr Speaker, I present the Canberra Cultural Authority Bill 1997, together with its explanatory memorandum.

Title read by Clerk.

MR HUMPHRIES: I move:

That this Bill be agreed to in principle.

The Canberra Cultural Authority Bill 1997 is a significant step in maximising the social and economic benefits of cultural activities and collections to the Territory through an enhanced legal and administrative framework. The Canberra Cultural Authority is being established at a time when Australians are increasingly participating in and spending more on arts- and entertainment-related activities. The authority's core business is venue and related activities management. By efficiently managing the marketing, hiring and programming of performances, exhibitions and events at the venues under its charge, the authority will provide the sustainable infrastructure essential to support the continuing development and fostering of ACT arts and culture in their many forms.

The Bill sets out the functions, powers, membership and staff arrangements of the authority. Other significant provisions deal with the financial accountability and reporting arrangements for the authority. By rationalising administrative arrangements and giving the authority a charter to sound business management focus, the Government will enhance the delivery of cultural activities and collections and integrate the marketing and management of the ACT's premier cultural facilities.

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