Page 72 - Week 01 - Tuesday, 13 February 1990
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Suspension of Standing Orders
Motion (by Mr Kaine) proposed:
That so much of the standing orders be suspended as would prevent Mr Jensen addressing the Assembly on the motion.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
MR JENSEN: I thank the Assembly. Mr Speaker, as I indicated, I am speaking in support of the statement made by the Chief Minister in the Assembly on 7 December. In his statement the Chief Minister focused attention on a number of issues related to planning, heritage and the environment. The most important point he made is that open and responsible decisions on this range of issues are the essence of the Alliance Government's position.
This is of particular importance in these three areas where the competing interests can be considerable, and where there may be competing interests that are mutually incompatible and require resolution. The Chief Minister emphasised the need to achieve a balance in meeting the needs generated by the continuing growth of our city and the maintenance of its general amenity. The Chief Minister has committed the Government to an early introduction of integrated planning, heritage and environment and leasing legislation. Let me indicate, Mr Speaker, that this particular commitment is one that is strongly endorsed by the group which I represent. Now, as part of the Alliance Government, I support it just as strongly.
This commitment reflects the Government's recognition of the linkages between these areas and the need to provide a system which will promote community confidence that they are being adequately addressed when planning or development decisions are made. This is something that during my period of involvement with the community consultation process I was keen to see established and set up.
We are custodians of a unique city. It is not like other cities in Australia nor should it be so. The city was started many years after previous cities had been established in Australia, there was considerable planning and effort in relation to the way it is set out; and that, Mr Speaker, is the way that the Alliance Government is committed to retaining it. We all value the quality of the environment in Canberra and I believe that it is a view shared across all parties in the wider community. Similarly, we all value our unique heritage and want to conserve it for the ACT community in future generations.
We have a responsibility and a sacred trust to carry out that particular role. We are also the custodians of the economic health of our city which includes opportunities for employment. In his December statement the Chief Minister emphasised the importance of providing for growth
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