DISABILITY SERVICES

The Hon. K.L. VINCENT (15:22): Supplementary question, Mr President. Unless I am much mistaken, the minister hasn't introduced any legislation to the parliament under this portfolio since first becoming the minister. When does he plan to introduce that legislation to reform the outdated Disability Services Act, or would he like to save himself a bit of time by supporting mine?

The PRESIDENT: I am not sure that is a question, minister.

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, Minister for Social Housing, Minister for Disabilities, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers) (15:22): I am not sure how that arises from the answer.

The PRESIDENT: And that is my judgement.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Honourable minister, you will answer if you wish.

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER: I am very happy to continue. I can advise the house that the legislation is before parliamentary counsel as we speak. I would like to have introduced it before the end of our year, but that is not to be.

An honourable member interjecting:

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER: Well, we can come back next week, I suppose. But I am not sure that parliamentary counsel would have it available even then—although if we were to give them some extra time, perhaps, and tell them to drop off all of the parliamentary drafting they are doing for Independent members of the house I might be able to get a bill drafted. However, that is another point altogether.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER: And I respectfully decline the very kind offer of the member to take up her bill.