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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2001 Week 5 Hansard (2 May) . . Page.. 1342 ..

MS TUCKER (continuing):

So I believe-and I think most people in the community would agree with me-that there is a clear argument in favour of seeing the actual amounts that people are earning while they are in public office, while they have a charter and a brief to represent the community and while they are in a position of immense power and, as we know, are being approached by all sorts of people in the community who want to lobby them and influence their decisions. This is the reality that we live with as politicians.

I believe that this piece of legislation should have the full support of everyone in this place. I am very disappointed that that is in fact not the case. I have not heard any arguments, apart from the technical ones-and as I said, obviously they need to be addressed-which need to be addressed. I acknowledge that Brendan Smyth has said that he will pick up part of this legislation and pursue it, but that is not good enough.

In conclusion, I would remind members that we hold in our hands a very precious institution, which is the institution of parliament and democracy. If we do not show ourselves to be always doing all we can to ensure that the community has confidence in the integrity of the institution of parliament, we will be doing a disservice to this community.

Question put:

	 Ayes, 1  		Noes, 13

 Ms Tucker    		Mr Berry  	Mr Osborne
     			Mrs Burke  	Mr Quinlan
     			Mr Corbell  	Mr Rugendyke
     			Mr Cornwell  	Mr Smyth
     			Mr Hird  	Mr Stanhope
     			Mr Humphries  	Mr Wood
     			Mr Moore 

Sitting suspended from 12.12 to 2.30 pm

Visitors

MR SPEAKER: Before I call for questions, I would like to recognise the presence in the gallery of graduate administrative assistants who are on a training program here. Welcome to your Assembly.

Ministerial arrangements

MR HUMPHRIES: Mr Speaker, in the absence of the Attorney-General and Minister for Education, I will field any questions that are asked of him.

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