Page 1832 - Week 07 - Wednesday, 19 August 1992
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .
I think it is very sad that these people do it; but, as Mr Moore said, they are just jealous. I think that we should go on making Canberra a beautiful place to live in, explaining to everybody its wonderful virtues and asking why they do not come and live here because it is one of the best cities in the world. The trouble with most of those who write for the newspapers is that they have to live in overcrowded cities like Sydney and Melbourne. We all know that the best way to see Melbourne is in the rear vision mirror. They have to live in all these dreadful places - - -
Mr Kaine: You will cop it for Melbourne bashing now. Watch it.
MRS GRASSBY: Yes, I probably will cop it from Melbourne. I spent three years nursing in Melbourne, so I feel that I can say that. I would not like to live in the western suburbs of Sydney either, because it is terribly crowded. When I have been in Brisbane I have not really enjoyed the humid heat. I think I live in the best city, Canberra. I think I represent one of the best cities in Australia. I am proud to live here. If they want to go on bashing us, let them; they are just jealous. As I said before, it is just the tall poppy syndrome.
MR KAINE (Leader of the Opposition) (12.11), in reply: I was interested to hear what people had to say on this important issue and I expect that people will support the motion. I think it is appropriate that they do. I finish as I began: I think that it is not a trivial subject. It is one that we needed to air a little in order to let people know what we think about them when they make these disparaging statements about Canberra and direct their comments poorly. I am only too happy to direct their remarks to the place where they belong - on the other side of the lake, not on this side. I appreciate the support of members for this motion.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
Sitting suspended from 12.12 to 2.30 pm
QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
CSIRO Headquarters
MR KAINE: I would like to address a question to the Chief Minister. I presume that the Chief Minister is aware of the confirmation, announced a short while ago, that the headquarters of the CSIRO is to be relocated from Canberra to Melbourne. On that basis, can the Chief Minister tell us: How many jobs will this mean emigrating from Canberra, what is in store for those workers who choose not to relocate, and what will be the net effect on the ACT economy of this move?
MS FOLLETT: I thank Mr Kaine for the question, Madam Speaker. To be completely frank, no, I am not aware of the confirmation. I take it that the announcement was made today. I was not aware that there was confirmation of the CSIRO headquarters being relocated from Canberra to Melbourne. This is a position that clearly I would oppose. Indeed, I have written recently to our Federal representatives on this very subject. I have asked them also to oppose the move from Canberra to any other city of our local employment base in the public sector. I would like to say, Madam Speaker, that the last time I looked at this matter of the CSIRO headquarters a very small number of jobs were involved.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .