Page 3878 - Week 09 - Thursday, 25 August 2011
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were being held with people, there were decisions made at a departmental level that absolutely negated any of the consultation that took place.
Ms Hunter’s amendment, unfortunately, does not address the aim we are trying to bring to the notice of this Assembly—that is, the scrutiny that needs to be applied to this government. It is paramount. Part of the opposition’s function is to scrutinise the government’s activities, not act as a rubber stamp. Unfortunately, the Greens are emerging as a party that just rubber-stamp what the government puts up.
Ms Hunter’s amendment also proposes an inquiry that turns proper scrutiny into an afterthought. So, let us go through all of the issues that the government wants to already decide on and then, as an afterthought, we will have a look at it. It focuses on the proposed model and not on the premise that has led Minister Barr to conclude that a merger is necessary. It is unfortunate that Ms Hunter cannot understand this distinction.
Mr Barr tells me that all this economic and financial analysis is happening now. Should not some of this financial analysis have taken place before you reach the point that you are at, Mr Barr?
Mr Barr: Well, it has, Mr Doszpot.
MR DOSZPOT: Well, if it has, I have yet to see those figures. You are criticising us for criticising your activities, yet you do not present us with all of the information that you are basing your argument on. Not only that, but if that information is available, why was is not given to Professor Bradley? These are the points—
Mr Barr: She made references to it in her report, Mr Doszpot.
MR DOSZPOT: Well, she told us that she received no financial information.
Mr Barr: I think you might be verballing Professor Bradley, Mr Doszpot.
MR DOSZPOT: I am not verballing Professor Bradley. I am saying exactly that and—
Mr Barr interjecting—
MR DOSZPOT: Through you, Madam Deputy Speaker, Professor Bradley gave us a categorical statement in the presence of Mr Barr’s adviser, who actually confirmed exactly what Professor Bradley said. Who is verballing whom, Mr Barr?
The bottom line here is that we are talking about scrutinising this government. I am very, very sorry about the Greens’ attitude on this, because I thought this would give a clear indication, Ms Hunter, that you are not just a rubber stamp for this government and for this minister. Unfortunately, your actions speak for themselves.
MR SMYTH (Brindabella) (11.42): Madam Deputy Speaker, I am quite—
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