Page 138 - Week 02 - Wednesday, 24 May 1989
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MR KAINE (Leader of the Opposition) (4.26): I note that the time is running out. I do not want to say a great deal on this subject at the moment. I think that over the last hour or so the matter has been well and truly traversed. It has become obvious that there are many facets to this question of heritage and its relationship to planning and development generally. Mr Collaery has outlined some rather esoteric aspects of the subject.
I think that what has come out of the debate this afternoon is just what we, the Liberals, hoped would come out of it when we put the matter forward as a matter of public importance. First of all, it is a high priority item; secondly, there are many concerns in the community about it; and thirdly - I think this has come out - there is unanimity amongst the parties in this Assembly that something must be done and that it must be done quickly.
I just wanted to make one observation on the matter raised by Mr Moore in referring to a member of the Liberal team who was a candidate. I note that that individual was not elected, and I think something is to be gained from that observation. I also note Mr Moore's acknowledgement that the Liberals have a good, comprehensive policy, not only on the subject of heritage but also on the environment generally. I would like that to be noted.
As I said earlier today, the Labor Party does not have sole rights to some questions of human rights and others nor, I submit, although the Residents Rally has been misrepresented during the last few months, does it have a sole right to claim that it is the only group that is interested in matters of heritage, the environment and development. We all share that concern. I think Mr Collaery will find over the next few months that the Liberals will work as willing partners in getting some sensible legislation into place, getting it into place quickly and making sure that it is comprehensive legislation that protects the interests of this community for the future.
In that respect, I believe that there is some merit in asking the Government to reconsider its committee structure and to create at least one more committee. It might well be that the additional committee ought to be devoted to this very special and particular subject. I believe that we can come to some agreement on that matter.
The time for this debate is fast running out and I think I have said all that I need to at this stage, Mr Speaker.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
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