Page 3040 - Week 14 - Tuesday, 5 December 1989
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complicity in this matter is as transparent as are its motives for supporting the motion today. (Extension of time granted)
Like the section 19 project, our approach to the redevelopment of the Bruce Stadium and the commercialisation of the stadium trust demonstrates this Government's commitment to vital and forward-looking policies which serve the community and enhance our industry base. Sport and recreation, like tourism and the advanced technology sector, are important industries of the future. In establishing an office of sport, recreation and racing, we have made the first steps in acknowledging the economic importance of sport and leisure to the ACT economy.
The importance of sport and fitness to the general well-being and spirit of the community and the flow-on effects in terms of productivity and savings in the health area have not been overlooked in this move. We are supporting sport, both at the championship and Olympic levels as well as at the grassroots community level. Grants to sporting and recreation groups and clubs are an important part of our program to foster community spirit and participation in sport and a diverse range of recreation activities. In keeping with our social justice strategy, support has been specifically directed to assisting the participation of women and disadvantaged groups in community as well as international sport.
We have, of course, also made changes and charted new directions in the education area of my portfolio. The Department of Education was formed, bringing together the functions of the former ACT Schools Authority and other schools related activities. The Government has committed itself to quality and effectiveness in all levels of education. We have encouraged consultation at a regional level. Budget stringency in the education area has been a necessary measure to rein in escalating costs. As in the health area, this Government has inherited a legacy of cost blow-outs unrestrained by ongoing efficiency gains. Productivity measures will be phased in over the next three years to ensure that education quality and conditions in our schools are not compromised. As a member of the Australian Education Council, the ACT is now in a position to be actively involved in the setting of national directions in education.
As Minister for Education as well as Industry and Employment, I am acutely aware of the need to provide both broad-based as well as vocational training for ACT youth. We have supported the establishment and upgrading of TAFE courses which serve the needs of key industry sectors. We have also worked with industry to ensure adequate and equitable funding of trade courses. We have announced a progressive rationalisation of TAFE administration through the amalgamation of campuses and the redistribution of resources to better serve local population centres. Under my direction, our TAFE system has become more commercially
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