Page 1018 - Week 04 - Thursday, 18 June 1992
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MR BERRY: Which area of sport was the report referring to? It was referring to ACTSport, I think, was it not?
Mr De Domenico: I do not know, Mr Berry.
MR BERRY: Of course there has been representation from various sporting groups to the Minister's office from time to time. I have no way of knowing or controlling what the Canberra Times reports; but what I can say is that there has been a lot of consultation with sporting groups, for very good reason - the sporting groups well recognise that the Government has a responsible view on how it manages its sports policy, and they know that the Government has a commitment to developing sport in the ACT.
I have a particular view about the relationship between sport and health and how they might, with progressive policies, improve life in the ACT. But the issues listed by Mr Haynes in that report - including the Government's response to the recommendations of the Hartung report on sport, recreation and racing - have not been raised officially with me by any sports lobby group since late last year. I have, of course, as I have said, had a number of approaches from individual sporting organisations from time to time and, of course, I am aware of press reports and comments in the Canberra Times by ACTSport in April on the issue; but I have received no formal correspondence from them. I think perhaps the article is referring to ACTSport, is it?
Mr De Domenico: I do not know. The article does not make it clear, Mr Berry; I am sorry.
MR BERRY: For the Assembly's information, Madam Speaker, the previous Follett Government acted immediately to implement one of the major recommendations of the review of sport, recreation and racing functions - the Hartung report - and I think that was mentioned in that article as well. The Government amalgamated responsibility for the previously separate functions of racing, Bruce Stadium, sport and recreation facilities, and sport and recreation programs into the ACT Office of Sport and Recreation within one portfolio. I think we have received some undue criticism in that respect, because I think we acted positively and quickly. In addition, of course, it has substantially implemented a range of other recommendations of the report, including the establishment of an ACT Sport and Recreation Council.
I recall from the article, having skimmed it, that a former member of the Assembly had some criticism of the Government as well. I think his eyes would be green with envy, seeing the performance of this Labor Government on sport. We have done well. We have implemented policies that we promised. The jewel in the crown thus far - and there will be more - is the ACT Sport and Recreation Council, because it is doing a great job. It is ably chaired, and those people who have been appointed to it are performing a great deal of work for sport in the ACT - something that was not done in the past. I have to say that the former member who I think was referred to in the Canberra Times - was it the president of your council, your alternative sports council?
Mr De Domenico: I do not know. It might have been Mr Whalan or Mr Collaery or - - -
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