Page 4967 - Week 16 - Tuesday, 26 November 1991
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Mr Stefaniak: Aidex is bringing in $10m.
MR CONNOLLY: Not to the local economy, Mr Stefaniak. In any event, it may be appropriate in a few days' time, when we know the full costings, that this Assembly unanimously call on the Federal Government to help reimburse our position there. The Government's position on the Aidex demonstrators has always been very clear. We support the right of people to demonstrate peacefully, but we will not tolerate people who choose to act violently and breach the law.
We have expressed publicly our extreme concern at the acts of violence that have occurred at Natex in the last couple of days. A number of police officers have been injured, sharp objects were used to slash a tyre and, most disturbing of all, I understand that late yesterday the brake line on a police van was severed. Fortunately, that was spotted and the van was taken away. Had it not been spotted and had somebody tried to move the van, it is reasonable to expect that a protester, perhaps with children, would have stood in front of the van to make a symbolic protest and the police officer would have tried to stop the van, but with the brakes out there could well have been a tragedy.
The Government again makes public its position: We support the right of people to protest against the arms exhibition, provided that they do so peacefully; but we implore everyone not to use violence. The use of violence by peace protesters simply discredits the very honourable cause of those people who are protesting against the arms sales.
Amendment agreed to.
Proposed expenditure agreed to.
Proposed expenditure - Division 140 - Housing and Community Services, $77,932,900
MR STEFANIAK (10.19): I note that in the housing section of this budget there is a significant increase. Although we are governed to an extent by Commonwealth and State arrangements, the Territory does have to consider the question of its housing stock and what happens to public housing as we go further into self-government. I can recall figures which indicate that in some States about 5.7 or 5.8 per cent of their housing is public housing; ours is up around the 12 per cent mark. Although there are some reasons for the differences, this is one area where governments can make some savings in years to come.
The increase in this budget over last year is about $5m. I suggested to the Government in the Estimates Committee that there are some prime examples of public housing stock which should be sold. I understand that there are two houses in Bougainville Street which, according to my contacts in the
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