Page 33 - Week 01 - Tuesday, 9 February 2016

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

There are two approaches. There is the Mr Rattenbury approach which is, “Yes, there are problems here. Let’s pass it and see how it clunks along and patch it up later.” Then there is the approach being proposed by the opposition which is to say, “Let’s actually refer it to committee and get it right the first time so that we do not then impose on the human rights organisations, the Victims of Crime Commission, the Public Advocate and the Public Trustee an unworkable or less than satisfactory arrangement.”

I am disappointed that we will not be following through that process. We had a debate earlier extolling the virtues of the committees and the useful purpose that they serve within our Assembly. Now we are going to ignore them and impose on people working out there for the best interests for some of the most vulnerable people in Canberra what, by the admission of Mr Rattenbury, is in part flawed. That is a disappointing way to proceed.

I commend the motion to the Assembly. If it does not get up then certainly we will be continuing to consult with those organisations. I leave open the option that, should we be elected to government later this year, we will review to amend and improve this legislation.

Question put:

That the motion be agreed to.

The Assembly voted—

Ayes 7

Noes 8

Mr Coe

Mrs Jones

Mr Barr

Ms Fitzharris

Mr Doszpot

Mr Smyth

Ms Berry

Mr Gentleman

Mrs Dunne

Mr Wall

Dr Bourke

Ms Porter

Mr Hanson

Mr Corbell

Mr Rattenbury

Question so resolved in the negative.

MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER: The question now is that the bill be agreed to in principle.

MR CORBELL (Molonglo—Deputy Chief Minister, Attorney-General, Minister for Capital Metro, Minister for Health, Minister for Police and Emergency Services and Minister for the Environment and Climate Change) (11.50): This bill introduces a new framework for rights protection in the ACT, comprising a restructured Human Rights Commission and a Public Trustee and Guardian office. As I mentioned in my earlier comments, these changes support a more cohesive vision, voice and mechanism for rights protection in the territory. They follow an independent review by the Nous Group, an independent consultant, along with public consultation undertaken by the Justice and Community Safety Directorate.

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