Page 3765 - Week 12 - Thursday, 25 November 2021
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famous Canberran, Kojo Owusu-Ansah, otherwise known as rapper and producer Citizen Kay.
Last night, Kofi went to the 2021 ARIA Awards with the most nominations—in and of itself an incredible achievement—and then went on to take the most wins at the Australian music industry’s night of nights. Genesis Owusu achieved a phenomenal result, winning four ARIA awards from six nominations. Kofi walked away with the 2021 ARIA awards for album of the year, best hip-hop release, best independent release and best cover art, for his ground-breaking debut album Smiling With No Teeth.
This win is just the next in a string of recent awards for the rising star, with him picking up the coveted Australian album of the year and Australian music video of the year at Triple J’s J Awards last week. Today, he has announced plans to take this debut album on the road, touring throughout the US, the UK and Australia in 2022.
I am delighted to share that the ACT government was able to support Kofi with a HOMEFRONT grant in May 2020 to help him complete this debut album. As members are aware, HOMEFRONT was specifically developed to support artists in response to the devastating impact of COVID-19 on the sector, and it is incredible what artists have been able to achieve with this funding.
I have no doubt that we are all incredibly proud of these achievements and send our heartfelt congratulations to Kofi. We look forward to seeing what comes next for this Canberra star.
Madam Speaker, I also want to congratulate the staff at Lanyon Homestead, a much-loved treasure which has received global recognition after it was named a Tripadvisor travellers’ choice award winner for 2021. The award celebrates the top 10 per cent of worldwide attractions that consistently deliver fantastic experiences to travellers through positive reviews and ratings over the past year. The restored 1850s homestead is also ranked the eighth best sight or landmark in Canberra on Tripadvisor.
It is a credit to the hardworking staff, some of whom I had the pleasure of meeting last week when I visited the homestead. The CEO of the Cultural Facilities Corporation, Harriet Elvin, said to me that when you go through the gates to Lanyon you can feel your blood pressure drop considerably. She is right. The gardens are expertly cared for; the homestead is beautifully maintained; the tours are fascinating and fun; and the gift shop has plenty of local goods. All this comes about not through accident but because of the talented team behind it. This achievement is worthy recognition of their efforts and the truly special place and environment that they help create.
Personal explanation
MR STEEL (Murrumbidgee—Minister for Skills, Minister for Transport and City Services and Special Minister of State) (5.46): Madam Speaker, I want to use the adjournment debate to make a clarification. In question time I was asked about the spreadsheet that was provided, with information through a procurement in relation to workers compensation. At the time, I was asked about some of the information
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