Page 43 - Week 01 - Tuesday, 7 April 1992
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new National Grid Management Council. Whereas I have not hesitated to criticise the Federal Government when it is justified, the Liberal Party refuses even to concede the havoc which would be wrought by the Federal coalition's consumption tax proposals.
It must be appreciated, Madam Speaker, that we are not isolated from national economic forces, and nor can we set our policy agenda in isolation. We must focus on ensuring that the ACT shares in the national recovery. Above all, we must focus on job creation so that jobs are available to those seeking them. The task ahead is not easy. This Government has the strength to manage our way through our current situation and emerge with a stronger ACT economy. There is no single solution, Madam Speaker. There is no single waving of a tax wand, which the Liberals said would solve everything, and there is certainly no cutting Canberra off at the knees.
The Labor Government recognises that there must be many strands to our recovery, and many areas where the Government must work with business, unions and the community to achieve a sustainable recovery. A most important part of this task is the economic security provided by a stable Territory budget. This has been the hallmark of our financial management to date and will continue to be a central focus for our decision making. We have recently been measured against all other States and Territories and have been found to be sound. Earlier today I announced that the international rating agency Standard and Poors/Australian Ratings has given us the second highest possible rating, AA+. It also concluded that, in terms of overall financial position, we do even better than the current leading States of Queensland and New South Wales.
Madam Speaker, I turn in particular to the question of jobs. The Government affirms its election commitment to extend the jobskills program into the private sector with a further 100 places. We will continue to improve the marketing of the Canberra region as a business and investment centre and a tourist destination. The interim casino is expected to open at the end of September and recruitment for the many jobs involved has commenced. There will be an estimated 350 to 400 jobs when the casino is operational. A further 280 new jobs will be created when the construction of the permanent casino commences early next year. On completion, the permanent casino will employ approximately 500 people.
A feasibility study is being undertaken on a development proposal for a $200m resort at Gold Creek, including tourist accommodation, conference facilities, quality housing, and an international standard golf course. It would provide a significant boost to employment, both during construction and for the longer-term operational activities.
In November last year I presented cheques for $150,000 each to the two ACT based cooperative research centres.
Mr Humphries: Was that your money? It was the Commonwealth's money, wasn't it?
MS FOLLETT: No, ACT money. In the second round of the program three more centres have been chosen with significant ACT involvement. Of these, the centre for optical fibre and photonic technology will receive $4.3m per annum in program funds, which is the highest level of funding provided in the second round.
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