Page 906 - Week 03 - Wednesday, 9 April 2014

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not mean there is not a level of accountability, and he will be in a series of fora in which he can also ask questions. So I would encourage him to do that, given it is of such significant interest to him.

MS BERRY (Ginninderra) (6.24): To close, I just want to bring to the attention of the Assembly the problems with internet in western Belconnen and, as a resident of Dunlop, I can attest to the feelings of disconnectedness that can be created by poor access to reliable internet. Unless you are lucky to live in the newer parts of Macgregor, which was one of the very few places in Australia to receive the original NBN, it is very hard to get reliable broadband in most western parts of Belconnen. In fact, even with the fascination that those opposite have with a former MLA, Caroline Le Couteur, downloading a song that they might like to listen to, Sweet Caroline, would be difficult in those western suburbs. Good telecommunications infrastructure is critical, and it is something that I intend on fixing in my time as a member for Ginninderra.

Mr Rattenbury has provided some useful examples in his speech about how fast, reliable access to internet and new technology can bring great benefits to our local community. He talked about the waste management app, which was laughed at by those opposite. It is quite useful if you are away and you are not sure which is the garbage night. You cannot look out your window. You can contact your friends and look at your app and let them know when the garbage has to be put out.

So just on those two important issues around access to internet and the apps that are being installed, and the very timely and prompt update to be provided by the government following its amendment to my motion, I commend the amended motion to the Assembly and hopefully everyone will support it.

Amendment agreed to

Motion, as amended, agreed to.

Legislative Assembly—conduct in the chamber

Statement by Speaker

MADAM SPEAKER: Before I call the minister, I would just like to make a couple of observations about conduct in the chamber today. They relate to sitting and standing at the appropriate times. I will start with the most recent one. When a member stands to make a point of order, the standing orders clearly state that the member speaking must sit down. I have noticed a number of times, especially today, that when points of order have been taken, members on the other side continue to speak, which is disorderly and should be avoided.

There have been occasions today when it has been brought to my attention that there are members standing at the wrong times and sitting at the wrong times. Mr Barr and I had a discussion this morning where he took exception to a ruling, and he argued his case while sitting. Members do not speak while sitting unless they have a dispensation because of infirmity.


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