Page 64 - Week 01 - Tuesday, 7 April 1992
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not so long ago that Canberra was limestone plains; but now, in a relatively short time, Canberra has developed into a modern and diverse community. Tuggeranong likewise has developed in this fashion. It is part of the whole, but a very unique part.
Because of the rapid development of "the Valley" and its unique nature, careful development of this part of the whole must take place. Not only do we have many young families making their first homes in Tuggeranong, but also a rapidly increasing teenage population along with, we need to remind ourselves, a small but growing proportion of older citizens. The Tuggeranong Town Centre now includes the beginning of a healthy work base for the valley, the biggest being the opening of the Federal headquarters of the Department of Social Security. While the valley now has a variety of retail, commercial and community facilities, with a target population of just under 100,000, we cannot take continued future development for granted.
I see it as my major responsibility in this Assembly to ensure representation for the people of Tuggeranong. I can assure them of dedication and hard work on their behalf. I will be accessible and always ready and willing to hear their views and be their voice in the Follett Labor Government. I also acknowledge that I have a responsibility to all Canberrans.
Even though Canberra started off as solely the national capital, as I have already said, we are now much more than this. We are a city essentially no different from any other in Australia. We are not spoilt, elitist or sterile. This is a city made up of ordinary Australians with expectations and needs that are found in all other communities in Australia. We are concerned about our future, and this nation's future. We are concerned about unemployment, the health and well-being of our families, the education of our children, the environment in which we live, and the immense problems that can, and do, face our youth.
As the national capital, there is no doubt that we enjoy the facilities that come with it. However, it is also a place in which people live. We may have the facilities that a modern city provides, but we also have the same social problems, such as family separation, youth homelessness, unemployment, drug abuse and poverty.
Too often it is convenient for Federal politicians to score cheap political points by attacking Canberrans. I object to Dr Hewson describing public servants as essentially un-Australian and to Mr Reith saying that he would happily cut public servants off at the knees. Politicians such as Dr Hewson and Mr Reith must remember that it is the public service that provides services to the whole Australian community, such as social security, defence, veterans' affairs, health and aged care, environmental protection - services that only the public sector can provide. Public servants are the undeniable link between government and community.
The comments of the coalition are based on the traditional pastime of Canberra bashing and ignorance. It is easy to point the finger and criticise an identifiable group. That is what all discrimination is based on, and is at no time an acceptable form of behaviour, particularly amongst our leaders. We must work together against the prevalence of these attitudes. As Canberrans and fellow Australians we deserve no less. Make no mistake; the Federal Opposition's plans for this town and this community will create a social and economic disaster. I will certainly play my role in ensuring Canberra's future.
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