Page 2950 - Week 09 - Thursday, 13 August 2015

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In relation to the Auditor-General, there is no evidence to back Mr Smyth’s often-made assertion that for every $1 that is invested $9 is saved. I do not think there is any evidence to back that up in the ACT, and we will—

Mr Smyth: I will get you some evidence.

MR BARR: I look forward to that. My experience in this place over 10 years is that in fact it tends to go the other way. One dollar invested in the Auditor-General results in $9 of additional expenditure, not money saved. But I look forward to that debate and I invite the shadow treasurer to present evidence. If he can present compelling evidence that I agree with, I will change my mind. If you can convince me, Mr Smyth, I will change my mind. I am at least open-minded enough to consider that. But just because you assert it—

MR ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Mr Doszpot): Mr Barr, please address your remarks through the chair.

MR BARR: Because the shadow treasurer asserts it, Mr Assistant Speaker, does not make it fact. We have already increased funding to the Auditor-General to an appropriate level for a jurisdiction of this size. Having said that, I am happy to support this and the government will support this appropriation for the Office of the Legislative Assembly.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

Bill agreed to in principle.

Leave granted to dispense with the detail stage.

Bill agreed to.

Adjournment

Motion (by Ms Burch) proposed:

That the Assembly do now adjourn.

Legislative Assembly building—security

MR CORBELL (Molonglo—Deputy Chief Minister, Attorney-General, Minister for Health, Minister for the Environment and Minister for Capital Metro) (9.30): Mr Assistant Speaker, I also, through you to Madam Speaker, want to raise my concerns about the conduct of a group of people who were escorted into the building this evening by, I understand, Mrs Jones or members of Mrs Jones’s office.

Earlier this evening, my office was visited by Mrs Jones and a group of 10 to 12 people who advised my staff that they wished to present me with a petition. I was in the chamber; my staff advised the group of this, and offered to take the petition on my behalf. The group subsequently commenced a small prayer vigil in the reception area of my ministerial office.


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