Page 3109 - Week 11 - Wednesday, 12 September 1990
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Mr Humphries: It was not in the opinion poll in the Canberra Times.
MR STEVENSON: The opinion polls in the Canberra Times actually have serious flaws, as I have indicated to them in a media release. There is no more divisive subject than school closures. If we are to succeed in Canberra as a community, we will have to adopt the principle of working together. We simply have no choice. There are some hardships that we need to face. They cannot be and will not be faced and solved unless the Government works with the people and the people work with the Government. There is no choice.
As to the harm that school closures will do in the community, and this is certainly the strong perception, it is that children will be disadvantaged in various schools; certainly their parents will be. We should also remember about teachers and school staff. It has been said fairly often and quite truly that local shops in those areas where there are schools that are closing will be disadvantaged. Business is already under tremendous economic attack and it is highly likely that some shops may close as a result. I think we all understand that before and after school, and possibly at lunch time, an enormous amount of business goes on at certain local shops.
It has been suggested that real estate prices may fall in those areas where school closures are proposed. This is certainly something that is a possibility and should be looked at. But one of the most important things of all is the parliamentary process itself - whether or not we have a situation where the people of Canberra have a right, have a responsibility and obligation and have the possibility of communicating with their Assembly and being effectively listened to. In this case they certainly do not believe that that has happened.
If there is any possibility whatsoever that schools need not close, it should be looked at. There has not been a full and open inquiry in this matter. What could be more relevant than a subject of such concern to the people of Canberra? Of all things we should inquire into or on which we should take every step and make every endeavour to make sure that we look at all possibilities, school closures or the proposals would be it.
I am not calling, in this motion, for no schools to close. It is an inquiry into school closures so that the people of Canberra have the opportunity to present to this Assembly, and to have presented to them, full and open information on the suggested need for school closures. All I am calling for is the inquiry and until such time - 20 November - as it is completed, a moratorium; a moratorium simply being a delay.
So, I call on members of the Liberal Party in the Alliance to heed the call from the community in Canberra to hold an
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