Page 1896 - Week 09 - Thursday, 19 October 1989
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Gowrie Hostel
MR JENSEN: Mr Speaker, my question is directed to the Chief Minister. Can the Chief Minister advise what discussions have been held with the Commonwealth Government and when can we expect to hear the results of the discussions regarding the future of the Gowrie Hostel site, as I understand that under the terms of the ACT-Commonwealth agreement such national land may revert to the ACT if no longer required by the Commonwealth?
MS FOLLETT: I thank Mr Jensen for the question. Mr Speaker, I advise the Assembly that I have not had discussions with the Commonwealth Government on the sale of the Gowrie Hostel. There is no doubt whatsoever that the loss of the hostel would adversely affect the lower income earners who might use that accommodation because it is close to Civic, to employment centres and, of course, to public transport. So we as a government would object to the loss of that facility as it is obviously contrary to our principles of social justice in relation to the provision of low-cost accommodation.
We would also be concerned about the loss of Gowrie Hostel because it is used by interstate visitors to Canberra, particularly school groups. It is a budget-priced accommodation facility for tourists visiting Canberra and we are keen to promote tourism in Canberra, as Mr Whalan has quite rightly stated earlier, and youth tourism which is an aspect that Gowrie Hostel caters for particularly well. We will be drawing these concerns to the attention of the Commonwealth. I have not met with them yet. I think it is appropriate that we also question whether it is fair that a facility like that, which is of joint Commonwealth and territorial concern, should be proposed for redevelopment and sale only, I believe, some 19 weeks after it was gazetted as national land.
Woden Valley Hospital
MR COLLAERY: My question is directed to the Minister for Community Services and Health. Minister, you have seen reports in the press of problems at Woden Valley Hospital affecting the wardsmen. On the subject of tourism, could you advise us whether the situation in the wards is to become a tourist attraction in terms of the fighting and other allegations that are being made about the situation? Seriously though, what do you intend doing about the unrest at the hospital and allegations by the HEF that its members are being intimidated?
MR BERRY: I thank Mr Collaery for the question. I think the most important issue that arises in answering this question is, of course, the rather flippant approach that Mr Collaery takes to the management of our hospital system. I must say that I have a great deal of concern about
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