Page 3494 - Week 12 - Wednesday, 19 September 1990
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Before I conclude my comments on this, let me continue my reference to the certified National Capital Plan in relation to the requirement by the Government in its leasing arrangements for non-Commonwealth public servants to use that facility. The certified National Capital Plan continues to impose the restriction against increased office development if its aim is to be additional Commonwealth public servants in Civic. It was with this restriction in mind - one imposed by a Commonwealth instrumentality on the Commonwealth - and with the Government's commitment not to allow ACT employees to use those buildings, that the approval to proceed was given. The Alliance Government supports the view taken by the National Capital Planning Authority and it continues to support the location of public servants in Tuggeranong and Belconnen. (Extension of time granted)
In summary, Mr Deputy Speaker, the Government is satisfied that the proposed development will have no significant adverse effects on air pollution in Civic, on traffic noise levels, or on traffic and parking arrangements. On the other hand, the Government has had regard to the need to solve equitably what was a continuing problem for the lessee of the former Canberra Times site, and in so doing has moved to restore confidence in the local investing community. In the present difficult economic environment, it is essential that Canberra be seen as a safe and rewarding destination for investment funds.
It is worth making the point that the Opposition has, as usual, been all over the place on this matter. When in government it hesitated to act and flick-passed the issue to an Assembly committee. In Opposition, it has been content to say nothing. This is clear from the interest shown today in this issue; only Mr Berry, who seems to be the person in charge of Opposition business at the moment, is in the house. As usual, it has been instructive to observe how this Opposition, under its weak leadership, reacts to hard issues. The pattern is becoming increasingly familiar. It simply plays to both sides of the street.
MR COLLAERY (Attorney-General) (4.54): Mr Deputy Speaker, I believe that the Government response has been accurately summed up by Mr Jensen. There is one particular issue I want to address, and this is the reaction by a minority in this city now, who are putting around the notion that this Government has improperly overridden decisions of the Supreme Court and the Federal Court in approving the development on the former Canberra Times lease.
Mr Deputy Speaker, firstly I endorse wholeheartedly what Mr Jensen said about the fact that this Government and the Follett-Whalan Government were essentially dealing with an historical anomaly. This decision has to be seen in that context and not as a predicator for any future decisions and, if I might suggest, any future administration of this Territory. The fact is that this was a one-off situation
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