Page 15 - Week 01 - Tuesday, 25 February 2014

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You made mention of WIRC. I fully expect Mrs Jones to stand and talk about WIRC and say that there is no plan. What about “What’s on for women” for 2014? The only thing we have done with the service is change the address. Quite frankly, if that means that more people—people living in Belconnen, Tuggeranong and Gungahlin—have access to women’s services, I will stand here and take that criticism. I am quite happy to stand here and take that criticism.

Let me go back to some of your comments about behaviour in this place. I remind people that Mr Coe and Mrs Dunne were forced to repay $3,000. The Canberra Liberals were forced to repay $10,000 of community grants. Do I need to remind you of the breach of the Electoral Act, Mr Hanson? And the list goes on. The common koel is to be eradicated; there is a member over there. Mr Doszpot cannot even pick up his own pen to write a travel report. So do not stand here and think that the blame is only on this side.

I will stand by my record, and my record tells me that I am making good programs, that I am serving this community well. (Time expired.)

MADAM SPEAKER: Before I call other members, I reinforce the comments that I have just made: this is a serious matter and I expect the house to conduct itself seriously. I will not brook any interjection. I also remind members again of the provisions of standing order 42.

Visitor

I would like to acknowledge the presence in the gallery of the former member for Brindabella and former minister Mr Hargreaves. Welcome back to the Assembly.

Minister Burch

Motion of no confidence

MR DOSZPOT (Molonglo) (10.35): I rise today to speak to Mr Hanson’s motion of no confidence in Minister Burch. The sad reality is that there is now a long litany of bad decisions, appalling process and woeful judgments across a number of portfolios. Each of these matters has raised serious doubts; each goes far beyond the mere cut and thrust of normal political discourse; each moves into the realm of genuinely damaging and dangerous behaviour.

The issues we are discussing today are serious and they are repeated. The failures have occurred in sensitive portfolio areas and involve important matters that simply cannot be repaired after the fact; they can only be prevented. Together they show not just a pattern of failure but a pattern of wanton refusal to address or even recognise these failures or to take steps to rectify them. It is this reckless refusal to accept responsibility that has led to the only choice available to prevent continued harm from being done by this minister. If the minister herself or the Chief Minister will not act to rectify these failures, we will.


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