Page 2154 - Week 08 - Wednesday, 6 June 1990
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Clearly, the building is at the end of its economic life and, in so recognising that, the Government did something which the current Opposition showed they were incapable of doing when they were in government. The Government took a decision. It has decided that it would be far more cost-effective to provide a new purpose built facility in Civic for the needs of these community groups.
All in all, I think this motion is clearly inadequate. It does not reflect the state of play and, as a matter of fact, it never has. To that end I give notice that one of the following Government speakers will be moving a motion to reflect the true state of affairs of the Griffin Centre and not the "pie in the sky", the big lie arguments that we heard so much about earlier.
Ms Follett: I must object, Mr Speaker; I would ask him to withdraw that.
MR SPEAKER: I think that was withdrawn previously, Mr Duby.
MR DUBY: I am sorry, Mr Speaker. I thought that was overruled. In that case, I withdraw it. It does not reflect the Goebbels arguments that the Opposition have come up with all the time in relation to a whole range of other issues.
Ms Follett: On a point of order, Mr Speaker; I believe that comparing our speakers with Goebbels is offensive and unparliamentary and I would ask that that be withdrawn.
MR SPEAKER: I do not believe that is unparliamentary, Ms Follett.
MR DUBY: Mr Speaker, let me clarify that. The reference to Goebbels is a reference to the type of argument put.
Mr Kaine: Propaganda; are you happy with that?
MR DUBY: It is a reference to the Goebbels propaganda that these people put up continually. It is certainly not an unparliamentary term.
MR SPEAKER: I have ruled so, Mr Duby. Have you finished?
MR DUBY: As I have said, the simple state of play is that the Opposition, once again, has been caught short. I think that the motion, as it will be amended by the Government, will reflect the true state of affairs pertaining to the Griffin Centre and the usage of that area by the community groups in the heart of the city.
MR STEVENSON (11.44): Mr Speaker, I believe all members here would agree that the majority of Canberrans think that the Griffin Centre, or a similar facility, should be retained. Indeed, the location is ideal. The parking is excellent of a daytime and superb of an evening or weekend.
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