Page 971 - Week 03 - Thursday, 28 February 2013
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Humphries. This is a serious matter. It is a matter that I take seriously. It would appear that a constituent—
Members interjecting—
MR CORBELL: They do not like it. It would appear that a constituent has outlined that they believe there are discrepancies in the way the constitution has been applied. They contacted my office seeking further action and asking that further action be taken in relation to the matter. Indeed, this member was so upset that they indicated to my office that they had resigned from the Liberal Party as a result. These are—
MADAM SPEAKER: Point of order, Mr Hanson. Stop the clock, please, Clerk.
Mr Hanson: No point of order.
MADAM SPEAKER: There was not a point of order?
Mr Hanson: I will use it as a supp.
MADAM SPEAKER: Sorry.
MR CORBELL: Thank you, Madam Speaker. They indicated to my office that they had resigned from the Liberal Party as a result of their concerns and they contacted my office asking what action could be taken in relation to the status of the Liberal Party and its obligations under the Associations Incorporation Act.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Gentleman.
MR GENTLEMAN: Minister, what action have you taken in relation to this complaint?
MR CORBELL: My office has referred the complainant to the registrar-general’s office. In relation to that complaint, the registrar-general now has powers obviously under the act to investigate breaches of the Associations Incorporation Act. Clearly in this matter he will need to determine if there has been any breach of that act. In relation to allegations of breaches to the rules of an incorporated association, the registrar-general can provide guidance to assist members of that association around how they can resolve those difficulties. Alternatively, the registrar-general can advise those members or former members that they may seek to take a dispute to court and ask that the matter be resolved in that way. I understand that officers from the Office of Regulatory Services met with the concerned individual earlier this week.
MS PORTER: A supplementary?
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Ms Porter.
MS PORTER: Minister, has the Office of Regulatory Services received other complaints relating to the Liberal Party of Australia ACT Division and its obligations under the Associations Incorporation Act? If so, what is the status of and circumstances surrounding those complaints?
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