Page 5067 - Week 16 - Wednesday, 27 November 1991
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Aidex - Sir William Keys' Comments
DR KINLOCH: My question follows along the same line. I thank Mr Connolly for what he has just said. In connection with the Aidex exhibition, there have been some very negative comments by Sir William Keys about the Assembly in general and the ALP Government in particular. Have you responded to Sir William Keys or are you planning to respond, and in what ways?
MR CONNOLLY: I must say at the outset that I have the highest respect for Sir William Keys and his efforts for many years as national president of the RSL and for the work he did for the veteran community in this country. However, I said yesterday to the ABC that I thought his comments were stupid, and I stand by that. They were provocative, they were not helpful, they were insulting to this Assembly.
It is significant to note that the view the Government took against the future use of ACT facilities for arms exhibitions was endorsed by all parties apart from the Liberal Party. So, it is not simply a Labor Government view; it is a view that was supported by the Residents Rally, by Mr Duby, by Ms Maher, and, of course, by Mr Moore. I am sorry; it is difficult sometimes to keep up with the groups in this chamber.
Mr Duby: You have never been good at numbers.
MR CONNOLLY: I will leave that comment, Mr Duby. Sir William Keys' statement that the ACT stands to lose a lot is just not borne out in view of the fact that nobody else wants this exhibition, the massive cost in maintaining security, and the fact that, I gather, it has simply not been as successful as he thought it was. I respect Sir William Keys' view; but on this he is simply wrong, and his comments attacking the ACT Government are simply silly. I am confident that the ACT Government's view, supported by a number of members of this Assembly - and, I note, by the Canberra Times in its editorial - that we want Canberra to be seen as a centre of learning, of excellence in aspects of administration and industry, and not as a centre for an international arms bazaar, is a view that is shared by the overwhelming majority of the Canberra community.
Health Budget - Monthly Reports
MRS NOLAN: My question is to Mr Berry in his capacity as Minister for Health. When will the October figures regarding the health budget be available to Assembly members? Have you instructed your departmental officers and the Board of Health to supply them forthwith?
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