Page 1885 - Week 09 - Thursday, 19 October 1989
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was a matter of great importance and an important element of the Government's environmental policy. Well, four months have elapsed, Minister. Could you tell me who is conducting this review and when this Assembly can expect to be advised of the results of the review?
MR WHALAN: This is a matter which relates to the public works aspect of the portfolio, in which matters of design and supervision of construction and management of construction projects take place. We are very fortunate in having some highly skilled and experienced public servants working in that part of the Government's operations. It is within that area that the development of this policy is being undertaken. Because of the importance of this specific issue and our general commitment to environmental matters, we believe that these policies should be developed carefully and not be presented in a superficial way. When that policy development is complete, it will be presented to the Assembly.
MR KAINE: I have a supplementary question, Mr Speaker. I would again ask the second part of my question. Is this going to be this time next year or the year after? This is an important part of the Labor Government's policy, and I would like to know whether the benefits of this review will be soon, or later.
MR WHALAN: I submit, Mr Speaker, that I have answered that part of the question, in that it will be forthcoming when it is duly completed, and that will be as soon as possible within the circumstances.
Land Development
MR JENSEN: Mr Speaker, my question is directed to the Minister for Industry, Employment and Education. In view of the fact that deeds of agreement for land developments - for example, the Calwell group centre and Gordon land developments, where lots were being auctioned - are readily available, could the Minister advise whether it is only when arrangements for land purchase or rent are by direct grant that they are not being made available to the public?
MR WHALAN: Mr Speaker, in relation to a deed of agreement and its availability, it will vary according to the contents of the deed of agreement, particularly in relation to dealing with matters of a nature that are commercial-in-confidence. Any deed of agreement which is publicly available because it constitutes part of the conditions of an auction or part of the conditions of a public sale obviously falls into that category.
Other deeds of agreement might be appropriate for tabling in this Assembly under certain circumstances but there will be from time to time confidential negotiations between officers of my department and potential developers of
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