Page 936 - Week 03 - Tuesday, 20 March 2012
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about 61 per cent over the past decade, that the overall number of violent crimes decreased in 2010, except for the offence of kidnapping and abduction, and that of the five categories of violent crime, four recorded a drop in the number of victims between 2009 and 2010. This included homicide, assault, sexual assault and robbery.
In the local ACT context, the reported crime statistics are measured by ACT Policing across eight categories. Six out of the eight showed decreases in crime between 2009-10 and 2010-11, and two showed increases. Overall, this is a good result and shows where the Assembly and the police need to focus attention.
In conclusion, that is the benefit of an evidence-based approach to crime. It allows us to put in train responses that will actually deliver a return on investment and make a difference to the community. The alternative is to make sweeping promises about cracking down and sending a message, but when you take the time to consider the evidence, little benefit is delivered from those kinds of simple solutions. We are certainly capable of doing much better and delivering more here in the ACT.
MADAM ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Mrs Dunne): There being no more speakers, the matter of public importance has expired.
Mr John Hargreaves
Motion of no confidence
MR HANSON (Molonglo) (4.46): Madam Assistant Speaker, there is a motion that is being circulated in my name, and I seek leave to move that motion, moving a vote of no confidence in Mr Hargreaves in his role as Assistant Speaker.
MADAM ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Mrs Dunne): Is leave granted?
Mr Smyth: Yes.
Mr Corbell: On a point of order, Madam Assistant Speaker, can I seek your guidance before we proceed with debate on this matter?
MADAM ASSISTANT SPEAKER: Yes.
Mr Corbell: The office of Assistant Speaker is not chosen by this place; it is appointed by the chair—in this case the Speaker—and I understand it is at his discretion. I ask the question: can you move no confidence in someone who is not chosen by this place?
MADAM ASSISTANT SPEAKER: I would think on the basis that one can move a vote of no confidence in a minister, who is not appointed by this place, Mr Corbell, that one would be able to move want of confidence in an Assistant Speaker who, likewise, is not appointed by this place.
Mr Corbell: On that point, Madam Assistant Speaker, and further to your ruling, of course, there are conventions surrounding ministers requiring to maintain the confidence of this place. I ask the question as to whether the same convention extends to Assistant Speakers, who are quite different creatures to ministers.
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