Member for Murrumbidgee

Shadow Attorney-General
Shadow Minister for Veterans? Affairs

 

 

Australian Capital Territory

Senator the Hon. Fiona Nash

Minister for Local Government and Territories
Parliament House

CANBERRA ACT 2600

The Hon. Greg Hunt, MP
Minister for Health
Parliament House

 

  

I I i 
 eggs Ema?

Dea Mini-Ste rs,

The ACT Labor government has announced that they will be providing free ?pill testing? of illicit
drugs for the Spilt Milk music festivalbeing held in Commonwealth Park on 25 November 2017.

Given the Commonwealth government?s anti-drug campaign, Minister Hunt?s recent comments
against pill testing, and the prominence and natdre of the venue, I am writing to bring this
matter to your attention.

I note that the functions specify that it conduct works that are ?desirable to maintain or
enhance the character ofthe National Capital.?

I also note the legislation states ?the Minister may give the Authority general directions in writing
as to the performance of its functions,? and also that ?the Authority has power to do all things
necessary or convenient to be done for or in connection with the performance of its functions.?
The trial is not only, in our View, questionable on legal grounds, it also raises the issue of liability,
particularly when the legislation states that the Commonwealth shall ?indemnify the Territory,
and keep the Territory indemnified, against any action, claim or demand.?

Given this festival is imminent, I would appreciate your early advice on the government?s
interpretations on this matter.

Yours faithfuny'
I  
2 

 

.1 

J?mrwg?lny Hanson, CSC, MLA
Shadow Attorney?General

 September 2017



 

Civic Square, London Circuit, Canberra, ACT, 2600
GPO Box 1020, Canberra, ACT, 2601
Phone: 02 6205 0133 Email: hanson@earliamentactoov.au