Page 260 - Week 03 - Tuesday, 30 May 1989
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national and international context and identify opportunities for export and import replacement.
The Chief Minister in her address has indicated that we will improve the business climate in the ACT. Such an economic strategy will guide a program of action to achieve our social justice and economic security objectives. Some essential preparatory action has already been foreshadowed.
The Canberra Development Board is to be restructured to provide advice on strategic matters to the Government. The Tourist Bureau is being reviewed, but will in future work more directly to me as the responsible Minister. An industry policy and strategy area is being established in my department to coordinate and focus on industry policy issues.
As indicated by the Chief Minister in her address, the Government will be providing an extra $0.5m for industry assistance and development. The ACT has a highly educated and skilled work force and we need to maintain and enhance our position. Thus, as a matter of highest priority we will work to ensure that the ACT Institute of TAFE is closely involved in the implementation of our development policies. For example, the industry division of my department and the TAFE are now investigating the potential application of "quick start" recruitment and training assistance to train the work force of industries attracted to the ACT.
Given the potential significance of the VFT to the Canberra and region economy, a VFT coordination group has been established within the department. Work has also commenced on investigating the potential for an international air facility in the south-eastern region.
A number of economic sectors have been targeted for special investigation to exploit the education and skill base of the ACT. These include tourism and advanced technology industries; important replacement activities, notably the printing and allied industries; defence, finance and business services; and commercial potentials for developing the strengths of the ACT education, health and research infrastructure.
I will also be reviewing the Government's capital works program and construction policies to ensure these contribute more effectively to our economic objectives. I have in mind action to a more balanced annual workload for the local consultant and construction industries. There is also scope for achieving a more economical balance between capital and maintenance expenditure, and improving our management and maintenance of government assets.
This Government, like other State and Federal governments, clearly sees a need for education to make a major contribution to our economic well-being. The ACT public school system has been leading the way in this regard by
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