Page 2275 - Week 08 - Friday, 21 June 1991
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MS FOLLETT: No, and I am not finished with him yet, either, Mr Kaine. Last time when I was in government, if you recall, I did eventually get $7m from Mr Keating out of our transitional trust account; but, it is early days in the negotiations yet and I will keep trying.
Tuggeranong Bus Interchange
MR JENSEN: Mr Speaker, my question is directed to Mr Connolly, in his capacity as Minister for Urban Services. In view of the Minister's previously stated concern about the delays in the opening of the Tuggeranong bus interchange, can the Minister advise the Assembly when he proposes to open the interchange?
MR CONNOLLY: I thank Mr Jensen for his question. Unlike the former Government, which seemed to suggest that there was no problem with the Tuggeranong bus interchange, this Government has acknowledged that there is a safety aspect there. Yesterday morning I had constructive negotiations with officers of ACTION and the Transport Workers Union. There is general agreement that there is a problem. We are now looking for a way to resolve it. I confidently expect that that problem will be resolved fairly quickly at a reasonable or minimal cost to the ACT taxpayer - demonstrating again, Mr Speaker, that Labor governments working constructively with the trade union movement can find solutions to problems, rather than ensuring deadlocks.
MR JENSEN: I have a supplementary question, Mr Speaker. In view of Mr Connolly's previously stated comments, that the changes required may cost approximately $250,000, is the figure that he is expecting to pay anywhere near that figure?
MR CONNOLLY: That figure was always the outside limit for totally rebuilding the bus station. As I say, negotiations are proceeding on a range of options and I am sure that, given a constructive and cooperative relationship between the Australian Labor Party Government, the Trades and Labour Council and the Transport Workers Union in this Territory, we will come up with a most satisfactory solution.
I would say, however, that, whereas the previous Government had been aware of this problem and had done nothing over six months, I have been in the position for somewhat under two weeks and so far have achieved constructive negotiations. I think that is not bad going, Mr Speaker.
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