Page 1401 - Week 08 - Tuesday, 26 September 1989
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Section 52 Development
MR JENSEN: My question is directed to Mr Whalan, the Minister for Industry, Employment and Education. I refer the Minister to an answer to a question on notice by my colleague Mr Moore on section 52, Civic, which was asked on 1 June 1989. In the answer provided to Mr Moore he was advised that a new lease had been negotiated which required building to commence on or before 30 July 1989. In view of the fact that no work has commenced on section 52, can the Minister advise what action he is taking to require the lessee to comply with the terms of the lease?
MR WHALAN: Block 2 of section 52, City, which is to be developed as a hotel, was purchased at auction on 20 October 1987 by Helkie Pty Limited for a sum in excess of $6m. As a consequence of community objection, the lease boundary has been amended so as to retain in the public domain a number of trees and a small park. At that time a new development timetable was agreed with the lessee.
The lessee has sought a further amendment of the development covenants. The date for commencement of building work as required on the lease has expired and the developer has applied for an extension of time. The Government is anxious to see this development proceed at the earliest possible time, and, if the extension of time is given, a substantial performance bond will be required. We are currently reviewing the developer's application and will carefully monitor the progress of the development.
Estimates Committee
MR WOOD: I am not directing the question to Mr Moore; I am directing this one to the Chief Minister and it concerns the operations of the proposed estimates committee. Since I have served in another parliament, I am very anxious that we establish such a committee because I am well aware of its crucial importance in the functioning of parliament and government. I understand that certain members on the other side of the house have expressed reservations about this. I hope the Chief Minister in her answer will convince them of the great need for such a committee?
MS FOLLETT: I thank Mr Wood for the question. Mr Speaker, as you know, I have proposed to all members of the Assembly that the budget be scrutinised by an estimates committee and I am aware that on the television news last night on Capital 10 the leader of the Residents Rally party indicated that he does not believe it is appropriate for an estimates committee to examine the Government's budget proposals. I also have a letter from Mr Kaine in which he states that it is the Opposition's view that the budget should be debated to finality without being considered by an estimates committee.
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