Page 2151 - Week 08 - Wednesday, 6 June 1990
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centre. I note that the only time, I believe, that such a proposal was made prior to self-government was in 1986. The council came to the Government with a proposal that a long-term lease on the site be granted, on the basis that a redevelopment of the whole area be undertaken along the lines, surprisingly, of the very redevelopment that was announced yesterday by the Chief Minister. In other words, the Council of Cultural Societies organisation has always wanted something along the lines of what the Government is now proposing to provide for it. This is something it has always asked for and required.
As I said yesterday when the Chief Minister announced in the Assembly that the Government had given in principle support for the construction of a community centre in the vicinity of the existing Griffin Centre, I think that was endorsed wholeheartedly. My understanding is that in the various media outlets throughout the city both last night and today the Friends of the Griffin Centre have confirmed that they are very pleased with the Government's announcement and they look forward to being involved in the design and future ongoing maintenance arrangements of the community centre.
Indeed, right now I guess the Council of Cultural Societies is very afraid that the Labor Opposition has come out and has tried to condemn it to the further use for many years of what I have described in the past as a decrepit, inadequate building. That is exactly what this motion is attempting to do. It is trying to condemn community groups to using outdated, outmoded and totally inadequate accommodation, something which they do not want to do. I know perfectly well what the Council of Cultural Societies and the current users of the Griffin Centre think of this motion which has been put forward by Mr Berry and the "pie in the sky" Opposition. They dread the thought of its being successful. To that end they would be supporting the Government completely in the stance that it is adopting.
I guess this needs to be said again for Mr Berry's benefit, because it is clear that he does not listen to what people say; he does not listen to what the Government announces, and I guess he just does not want to listen. The simple fact is that there will be extensive consultation with all the community groups involved in the Griffin Centre to ensure that the new facility which this Government will be providing will reflect community needs and ensure a vibrant community precinct in this city. This is something which does not exist at the moment. This Government will be providing it, not the Labor Opposition - not the former Labor Government. They had no moves to provide anything for the community service groups. The Griffin Centre is regarded as second-class accommodation.
Mrs Grassby: Mr Jensen tells fibs like that. Don't you, Mr Jensen?
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