Page 3399 - Week 12 - Tuesday, 17 September 1991
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and has been handed down in the house. I understand that it has not been passed at this point in time, but it supports the footrot strategic plan launched by the New South Wales Agriculture and Fisheries Department in November 1988. That plan aims to eradicate footrot from New South Wales, in line with similar initiatives by other States.
I urge the Minister to take that on board. He should be aware of exactly where New South Wales is in relation to that. It is very important that we pursue that matter and bring down our legislation very close to when that is brought down, or it could cause some concern. Mr Duby mentioned some figures. In relation to sheep, we are talking about a considerable number of sheep in the Territory - some 140,000. I think it is very important that we pursue that matter and see that legislation is brought down. Going back to this particular Bill, it is a little overdue, perhaps, but it is at last here with us and we welcome its introduction into the house.
MR JENSEN (5.39): I will speak very briefly on this. I fully support the comments made by my colleagues Mr Duby and Mrs Nolan about the importance of the rural industry in the ACT. Albeit a very small group, they are dedicated leaseholders. Unfortunately, for many years, particularly in recent times, they have lacked security of tenure for their land. Over a period of time this has caused them some concern. I trust that with the implementation of the draft Territory Plan and government policies, and the acceptance of certain issues related to the continuing role of rural lessees in the ACT, that matter will be resolved; that they will have a greater tenure and will continue to provide a major part of the lifestyle within the ACT.
I think it is heartbreaking when good farmers who have responsibility for stock find that the failures of others less committed than themselves cause damage and destruction to stock as a result of poor farming practices in relation to disease. This Bill will enhance the ability of the ACT Government Service to quickly get on top of any problem that may arise in the future. On that basis I commend the Bill to the house and wish it a speedy passage.
MR WOOD (Minister for Education and the Arts and Minister for the Environment, Land and Planning) (5.41), in reply: I thank members for their comments and I acknowledge with them the value of the rural industry within the ACT. It is not large compared with Australia, nor is the ACT compared with the rest of Australia; but I think it is quite significant, internally, for our welfare, our production and the conditions in the Territory economically. Mrs Nolan urged us to keep up with what is happening in New South Wales, and indeed we will with this legislation. It follows what is happening around Australia, including New South Wales, and as the rest of Australia moves forward in this area so will we.
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