Page 2525 - Week 10 - Tuesday, 13 October 1992
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establish the criteria to determine where that office should go. For example, we should ask the question: What is the strategic value of having ANTA in one place or another? There were a number of other criteria that I believe should have been determined before making any decision. The decision should then have reflected those criteria. I was as unsuccessful with that as with the end result. The ACT got one vote, and that of course was mine. I am sorry that it was done in that way.
I am even more sorry about the attitudes displayed towards the ACT. I am sure my ministerial colleagues and former Ministers in this Assembly find nothing new in that. I find quite alarming the degree of mistrust and dislike for the ACT, and the level of resentment. I think that resentment is based on misperceptions of the ACT. This Government, indeed, this parliament, I think, has a long way to go yet to correct those misperceptions. The views expressed must remain confidential. I am not going to indicate what was actually said in the meeting. The views expressed do not indicate that there is any great future for the ACT any time something comes up before a ministerial council. The Ministers for vocational education, employment and training were the Ministers involved in this decision.
Health Services Consultant
MRS CARNELL: My question is to the Minister for Health, Mr Berry. Noting that Anne Austin and Associates have been employed as consultants in the hospital redevelopment, may I say, for over $113,000 last year, is Ms Austin occupying the position of Acting General Manager (Corporate) as a consultant or as a regular officer of the ACT Government Service?
MR BERRY: Rather than speak on individuals within the public service, I would prefer to take some advice on the exact employment status of Ms Austin before I reply, Madam Speaker.
Mr Kaine: You do not want to answer the question.
MR BERRY: I am happy to.
Vietnam Veterans Commemoration
MRS GRASSBY: My question is to the Chief Minister. Can the Chief Minister advise the Assembly on the impact on the ACT of the recent visit of the Vietnam veterans for the unveiling of the memorial? What assistance did the ACT Government provide for the events and for tourism in Canberra?
MS FOLLETT: I thank Mrs Grassby for the question. At this point I would have to say that the impact of that wonderful weekend on our economy as a whole cannot be accurately evaluated; but it will be, because there is, in fact, a survey going on in conjunction with Floriade to assess the economic impact of that whole period. The Vietnam veterans weekend will obviously show up in that.
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