MEDIA RELEASE

Estimates 2022-23 Committee Statement

The ACT Legislative Assembly Estimates Committee is very pleased to report that the Worksafe ACT Prohibition Notice has been removed.  The Committee has always unanimously supported a hybrid model (offering in person/online) for conducting estimates and is glad that this can finally occur from Monday 22 August 2022. Every State in Australia has conducted their estimates hearings in-person this year and it was the Committee’s view that a hybrid model was the most appropriate way to manage COVID risk.

The Assembly has had a COVID-safe plan in place since June 2020 and all risk control measures are implemented as per this plan, inclusive of appropriate numbers of persons per spaces in the Assembly based on ACT Health COVID guidelines.  The ACT Government COVID-19 Assurance Program has previously confirmed the Assembly met the requirements of the program and had tailored responses in place that aligned with ACT Whole of Government policies.

In an abundance of caution, to ensure that Ministers and public officials feel safe if they choose to appear in person – the Committee will be operating Estimate hearings in the Chamber of the Legislative Assembly. The Chamber has a maximum COVID-safe capacity of 150 people. COVID-safe measures will be in place, including cleaning between witnesses.  Media and members of the public are welcome to attend in person or watch on-line.

Further to the Committee’s last media statement regarding the establishment of the Select Committee for Privileges, according to standing order 277 (a), the Committee has written to the Speaker regarding two more alleged matters of unprecedented interference in Committee business. One is against Ms Jacqueline Agius, Work Health and Safety Commissioner, and the other against Mr Mick Gentleman MLA. These alleged breaches are in addition to those already referred to the Assembly’s Select Committee on Privileges.

The Assembly has inherent powers of inquiry through Committees; this power adheres to the constitutional design of our system of government. The Estimates Committee firmly believes that there have been multiple counts of interference in its constitutional ability to conduct its inquiry.

19 August 2022

STATEMENT ENDS.

Committee Chair, Mr James Milligan MLA on (02) 6205 0101

Committee Secretary on (02) 6205 0129 or at LACommitteeEstimates@parliament.act.gov.au