Page 5691 - Week 14 - Tuesday, 6 December 2011
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inquiry. I note they reported today, and I will look forward to being able to examine the detail of the report and the recommendations made. There are clearly a number of issues that we have to consider. Firstly, the question of whether the personal views of the Treasurer of the day should be taken into account in the voting across all of these issues is indeed a question that we need to consider. I do not think, Ms Hunter, that it is fair to suggest that I in some way authorised this vote, given I was not aware of it. But there is also a question as to whether it really is appropriate for the views of the Treasurer of the day to be taken into account.
I have a broader perspective on these matters and recognise the complexities of the issues that are raised. I look forward to reading the detail of the committee’s inquiry into these specific matters and think, in the context in which this issue is raised, that it is appropriate that we take the time to examine the Assembly committee report’s findings. In terms of the cheapness of the political point that I think is trying to be scored, I think those who are aware of my record on issues of discrimination would find this to be perhaps just a little childish.
MR SPEAKER: Ms Hunter, a supplementary question.
MS HUNTER: Treasurer, in what circumstances is it acceptable to discriminate against people based on sexual orientation and gender identity or expression when making employment decisions, and what message does this send to the community?
MR BARR: In the context of Australian law, and particularly as it relates to government employment, I do not believe in any circumstance. But I do recognise that in the context of existing Australian law and indeed in a large amount of international law there are exemptions in certain circumstances for private organisations.
MR SPEAKER: A supplementary, Ms Le Couteur.
MS LE COUTEUR: Minister, has your directorate acted consistently with their obligations under section 40B of the Human Rights Act which provides that it is unlawful for the territory to act in a manner incompatible with a protected human right?
MR BARR: I understand that that is the case, that the territory has acted on that basis, but I am happy to seek some further clarification on that matter. And if my initial answer is incorrect I will advise the Assembly.
MR SPEAKER: Ms Bresnan, a supplementary.
MS BRESNAN: What action does Treasury take when they become aware that the territory has supported the breach of a protected human right and what action do you intend to take to ensure that, should this resolution be put again next year, the territory supports it?
MR BARR: I think I have answered this question in relation to the initial question from Ms Hunter. I will examine the recommendations of the Assembly committee but, again, I make the point that I think this is a fairly tawdry exercise from the Greens in
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