Page 2526 - Week 10 - Tuesday, 13 October 1992
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A preliminary estimate has been made that some $4m was directly injected into the ACT economy as a result of the Vietnam veterans commemoration weekend. That is certainly a very worthwhile contribution indeed. It does not take into account, of course, the long-term effects that such a weekend will have on the ACT. We had, I believe, an unprecedented number of visitors here, and the fact is that the ACT in general coped extremely well with that large number of visitors. I have been advised that all accommodation in the ACT was booked out, and that accommodation had to be sought in nearby towns. There was a very greatly increased level of activity in restaurants and other visitor facilities, and other attractions in the ACT had very large crowds at them over the weekend as well. So, Madam Speaker, quite clearly, the weekend had a very positive impact on our economy.
I would also like to say that a large number of agencies, both Commonwealth and ACT, provided support and assistance over the weekend, and I would like to pay tribute to their efforts. I think that they did a sterling job. They include the Commonwealth departments of Veterans Affairs and Defence, and, not the least, of course, our own agencies, our own police force, our Urban Services people, and all of the ACT workers who were active in making sure that that weekend was as successful as it was.
Department of Urban Services - Reports
MR WESTENDE: I can assure the members opposite that whilst I have been away I have not been idle. My question is directed to the Minister for Urban Services. Can the Minister indicate why there have been so many reports produced in the running of Urban Services? These reports were shown to be inconsistent in the Estimates Committee hearings, and the report that was regarded as accurate was the draft annual report which was eventually received only a few days before the hearing on Urban Services. The draft annual report of Urban Services states, on page 53, that during the year the necessity for the integration of the annual report and corporate and budgetary planning processes was emphasised. Is this still the objective, and why was it not achieved for this year's Estimates Committee?
MR CONNOLLY: I was not going to take this issue on; but I have to say that it is a bit rich for members to absent themselves during the Estimates Committee, for whatever reason, and however justified, and then come in and ask a first question on alleged discrepancies during the Estimates Committee, when they were not even there, Madam Speaker. The Opposition, which rants and raves about secrecy and privacy in government, when it has its one opportunity in the year to cross-examine public servants and get to the bottom of the issue, shoots through. I had the extraordinary experience during the Urban Services portfolio review of having the pleasure of the company of only Mr Cornwell and Mrs Carnell. The Leader of the Opposition was nowhere to be seen, nor were other opposition members.
Mr Kaine: I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. That is a total misrepresentation. To say that I have not been on the scene during the Estimates Committee is a total misrepresentation. I want it withdrawn.
Mr Berry: I think there is an imputation there.
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