STATUTES AMENDMENT (APPEALS) BILL

The Hon. A. BRESSINGTON (14:41): My question is to the minister representing the Attorney-General. Some weeks ago in this parliament we passed the rights to appeal bill. In a previous interview with Today Tonight, the Attorney-General made the claim that this bill would be in operation probably by February. In a recent interview with the ABC, the Attorney-General has stated that it could be some months before this bill is proclaimed.

The PRESIDENT: You did not seek leave to make a brief explanation. Are you seeking leave to make a brief explanation?

The Hon. A. BRESSINGTON: Yes.

Leave granted.

The Hon. A. BRESSINGTON: So do I have to repeat it all now? I haven't got it written down.

The PRESIDENT: Just pick it up from where you were.

The Hon. A. BRESSINGTON: Can the Attorney-General give an explanation as to what has changed between the time of his interview with Today Tonight, when he stated that the bill could be enacted by February, and now, and how long will it be before the rights to appeal bill will be assented to?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for State/Local Government Relations) (14:43): I thank the honourable member for her question and will refer it to the Attorney-General in another place and bring back a response.