Page 2579 - Week 09 - Thursday, 8 August 1991
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .
States. Within New South Wales there are 130-odd different building codes applying. It is simply absurd, and a wasteful duplication of resources. As a direct result of the Premiers Conference initiative, building and housing Ministers are knocking their heads together and reaching agreement.
MR WOOD (Minister for Education and the Arts and Minister for the Environment, Land and Planning) (11.37): Mr Speaker, the outcomes of the July Special Premiers Conference have national significance as well as being of particular relevance for the ACT. As mentioned by the Chief Minister in her ministerial statement on the topic, the Labor Government, in its first term of office, made a commitment to promoting intergovernmental cooperation, especially with our neighbour New South Wales. That was a policy that was well carried on by Mr Kaine and the Alliance Government. A process was commenced with the Commonwealth, New South Wales and local governments in the areas surrounding the ACT which recognised that all three levels of government need to work closely together to coordinate the delivery of government services in the region and to promote regional economic development.
In many senses the Special Premiers Conference process reflects that cooperation and is clear evidence that this is needed nationally. For cooperation on this scale to work, not only regional differences but also political differences need to be set aside. It is comforting to see the extent to which the July conference saw a bipartisan approach and, as Mr Connolly pointed out, that bipartisan approach was more States and Federal rather than party political; for without that approach the major achievements of the conference could not have been realised.
With this in mind, I find it reassuring that within this Assembly we are developing an essentially bipartisan approach to many of these issues. During Mr Kaine's term as Chief Minister that regional approach to economic development continued, as I mentioned. In addition, the Assembly has now agreed to a motion which consents to the Commonwealth using its legislative powers in the Territory to create the legal framework for the national heavy vehicles scheme. That was well endorsed the other day - or it will be, I expect. Our bipartisan approach to this issue also signals a growing maturity as the newest member of the community of Australian States and Territories. It demonstrates that in this Assembly, too, we are able to put aside political differences in the pursuit of a better life, not just for our own citizens but for the nation as a whole.
I believe that this is nowhere more evident than in the efforts we must make in environmental protection; to look after the environment of the ACT, of the surrounding region and of Australia. In the spirit of harmony I would note that the Alliance Government brought out some sound documents concerning the environment. One of the features
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .