In relation to her motor vehicle:

(1) When did the Chief Minister recognise the special circumstances and

agree to arrangements for her latest Government provided vehicle pursuant to paragraph 3.2, part C, of Statement Number 30 of the ACT Remuneration Tribunal;

(2) What were the special circumstances and the arrangements agreed to;

(3) Will a copy of the arrangements be provided to the Assembly;

(4) If yes, when will it be tabled;

(5) If no, why not.

I took account of the special circumstances provided under the Remuneration Tribunal determination on a Government provided vehicle for Members of the Legislative Assembly when I agreed to the leasing arrangements of a Toyota Celica. I confirmed that my choice of car was to be made under these arrangements on a Departmental brief on 23 February 2000.

Under the ACT Government car policy, a car is considered to be small if it has an engine capacity of up to and including 1.8 litres. The special circumstances in this case are that there are no Australian manufactured small cars in this category. The main reason for my choice of motor vehicle is that I have a strong view about the importance of using more economical and fuel efficient smaller vehicles.

In choosing a small car for my own use I have exercised a discretion conferred on me by the Remuneration Tribunal. This is a discretion I have exercised on a number of occasions to meet the wishes and needs of other Members of the Assembly. It is clearly within the terms of the Tribunal's Determination for me to do this in these circumstances.

Given changes in car manufacturing in Australia, it has been necessary to widen the range of cars available to ACT Government agencies to maintain the option of small vehicle choice. I have also asked the ACT Remuneration Tribunal to consider widening the availability of cars to include small cars without the need to seek special approval.

I will table a copy of the arrangements in relation to my car during the August 29-31 2000 sitting week.