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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 11 Hansard (5 November) . . Page.. 3635 ..

MRS CARNELL (continuing):

As I said in relation to the legislation that is on the table, to my knowledge - and, if I am wrong, I will certainly correct this - the independent pricing commissioner is very much part of the whole package and something that I understood this Assembly totally supported. The other legislation is model legislation, which is part of the agreements. I am not sure whether the forum has had a look at these pieces of legislation; but its actual role, as I understand it, is not to determine whether legislation is good or bad legislation. We did not actually appoint them for that purpose; we appointed them to keep an eye on, or to overview, the impact on the community of the legislation and to ensure that that impact is not adverse to the community generally.

MS TUCKER: I have a supplementary question, Mr Speaker. The last term of reference actually does. So, you are correct that it is about looking at the impact on the community; but it is also to monitor any other matter related to the competition principles agreement or the competition code, as the forum sees fit. My first question stands: Did you facilitate in any way an opportunity for this group to look at the legislation - albeit model legislation - and to make comment on that legislation?

MRS CARNELL: Again, I am not sure what is on the agenda for this committee. The question I would have to throw back is: Did the forum ask? I am not sure.

Ms Tucker: I am asking: Did you facilitate it?

MRS CARNELL: I am simply not aware of what the forum has asked to have a look at. As I would understand it from those terms of reference - as they saw fit - if they had wanted to have a look at the legislation, potentially it would have been available. It was put on the table in September; so, there has been a fair amount of time for it. I will find out whether they have had a look or they have not had a look, and whether they have asked or they have not asked. If they have not asked, they have certainly had over a month if they had chosen to do so.

MR OSBORNE: My question is to the Minister for Children's and Youth Services, Mr Stefaniak. Minister, yesterday in this place I asked you to say when you became aware of the recent problems with the Southside Youth Refuge, where the police are investigating an alleged misappropriation of funds. You said yesterday, from memory, that you had read a detailed briefing paper early in October; that you were uncertain about the exact date; but that you could find out. Minister, you have had 24 hours to find out. So, I ask again: When, and how, did you become aware of the problem?

MR STEFANIAK: Mr Osborne, I have done a check, as I told you I would. In terms of reading any papers, that was on 9 October; and, in terms of being made aware verbally, to the best of my recollection I think it was on either Monday or Tuesday, 22 or 23 September.

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