Page 415 - Week 02 - Tuesday, 12 February 2013

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video


introduction of our docket case management system and other initiatives. The results of these initiatives are expected to be further realised during 2012-13.

I am pleased to see, though, that the recent blitz on cases in the Supreme Court has produced a 40 per cent improvement in the clearance rate on civil matters. I again congratulate the government on its initiatives, including the $9 million allocated over four years for a new courts ICT case management system, the appointment of two acting judges and additional support staff to conduct the blitz, and a range of legislative reforms.

It is important to note that it is difficult to compare courts across jurisdictions given their variations in scope. It is even more difficult to compare the ACT, Tasmania and the Northern Territory to other jurisdictions because, as small jurisdictions, they do not have a district court level.

Mr Assistant Speaker Doszpot, I would like to go to a few comments you made at the beginning of the discussion on the MPI. In regard to the NAPLAN tests, you reiterated that the report says that the raw scores show performance above the national average in that test. You also mentioned that in the ACT we have old schools and poky rooms. I know you have left the electorate of Brindabella, but I want to remind you of the new school that has gone up there, our Namadgi School. I would just like to quote from their website:

The physical environment is inspiring, stimulating, and environmentally friendly.

We have fun, play and achieve.

In conclusion, let me say that the report on government services is an opportunity to recognise our successes and thank staff for their efforts and achievements. It also confirms that we are on the right track and targeting our investments to those areas under pressure and in need of additional support. Overall this is an excellent report for the ACT and confirms that taxpayers are getting good value for money when it comes to government services.

Discussion concluded.

Leave of absence

MR CORBELL (Molonglo—Attorney-General, Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for Workplace Safety and Industrial Relations and Minister for the Environment and Sustainable Development) (4.55): I move:

That leave of absence be granted to Dr Bourke for this sitting due to family reasons.

Dr Bourke is absent from the Assembly today as he is interstate attending a ceremony where his daughter, Sarah Bourke, is being awarded a John Monash Scholarship by Her Excellency the Governor-General. I am sure that other members will join with me in congratulating him and his daughter on this very significant achievement.

Question resolved in the affirmative.


Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video