Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .

Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1998 Week 4 Hansard (24 June) . . Page.. 886 ..

MS CARNELL (continuing):

With regard to the SACS award, we are dealing with organisations on a one-by-one basis. Where necessary and where appropriate, obviously money will be made available. If organisations have to pay the SACS award, then they will pay the award that is required. At the end of the day, what we have to do as a government is make the money that we have stretch as far as possible. That may mean that there need to be efficiencies elsewhere. Purchasing decisions may need to be changed. I understand that at this stage there are proceedings in the AIRC. The Confederation of ACT Industry has lodged a log of claims for a new award.

Mr Corbell: You just do not care about those organisations.

MS CARNELL: Obviously, at this stage it is very hard to determine what the final result will be.

Mr Corbell: Business did all right.

MS CARNELL: As it is currently in the commission, I think it is appropriate - - -

Mr Corbell: Not old people or disabled people.

MR SPEAKER: Order, Mr Corbell! The Chief Minister is trying to answer Mr Wood's question.

Mr Hird: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I would like your ruling on standing orders 39, 61 and 202 with reference to Mr Corbell's constant interjecting.

MR SPEAKER: I uphold the point of order, Mr Hird. Continue, Chief Minister.

MS CARNELL: Mr Speaker, may I state the situation again? The ACT Government is negotiating purchase agreements with non-government organisations to establish a fair service price, taking into account such things as the SACS award, how we best enhance efficiencies and how we do that without resorting to arbitrary cuts. That is a sensible approach from any government. It seems that those opposite would not worry about that. It certainly showed when they were in government last that they did not care about getting the best value for the taxpayer dollar. We do.

MR OSBORNE: I hope Ms Tucker is listening, because this is my green question for this Assembly, for the next three years anyway. My question is to the Minister for Urban Services, Mr Smyth. Yesterday's budget announced a series of changes to ACTION's fee structure. I note that formerly adult passengers could buy a weekly ticket for $29 and that ticket covered unlimited travel. Under the new arrangements the weekly unlimited travel tickets have been abolished and the only weekly option for all zones would give 10 fares for $34. Minister, how will this change encourage people to use public transport and reduce greenhouse gases?

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .