Page 2677 - Week 10 - Thursday, 15 October 1992
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the papers. Until the AFL board has reached any decisions about the Swans, it would be premature to speculate about the possibility of a Canberra team in the AFL. The Government, of course, would be supportive in the event of a Canberra bid being made. It has been clearly demonstrated, Madam Speaker, that Bruce Stadium is suitable as a venue for AFL games. The Government has been providing advice and assistance to the committee preparing a Canberra bid. An existing solid base of Australian rules in the ACT and the southern region of New South Wales would be expected to result in significant public support for a Canberra based AFL team.
It is important, whilst considering the issue of a high-level team, that we also give some consideration to the local Australian Football League. The Government has been providing some assistance to the ACTAFL in order that it can develop further. Without that sort of development work, the league is in some difficulty in developing at the top level. It is most important that the league develop strongly, and there is evidence to suggest that that is occurring.
For any bid to be successful in relation to the Swans or any other team that might find their way to Canberra, it would be necessary for the bidding parties to demonstrate substantial private sponsorship and that a Canberra team could operate on a financially viable basis. There is a limit to the corporate sponsorship that is available in the Territory, largely because of its size. There is only so much money out there available for private sponsorship. I am sure that there would be a range of sponsors out there who would be willing to support an AFL team in the ACT. I certainly would like to see it happen. I am only a recent convert to the game. I have enjoyed a couple of good games.
The Government will continue to monitor progress on the development of a Canberra bid and the deliberations of the AFL. Discussions have been held this week with the AFL for Canberra Committee, and further discussions will be held as necessary. Madam Speaker, we are keen to see a high-flying AFL team, if I can call it that, in the ACT, and we would be happy to support the continuing growth of the game to that level in the ACT. Meanwhile, largely, we have a watching brief as people work out their own positions a long way from here. We will continue with that brief and maintain our support for the sport in the ACT.
Supply and Tender Agency
MR WESTENDE: Madam Speaker, my question is directed to the Minister for Urban Services, Mr Connolly. The Minister recently announced that he would be considering setting up a supply and tender agency. Could the Minister indicate the timeframe for setting up such a supply and tender agency, and when would it be likely to commence operating?
MR CONNOLLY: I thank Mr Westende for his question. This proposal was announced during the budget and it received quite warm endorsement from the Canberra Chamber of Commerce. My understanding of where the matter is to date - I had this checked this morning after Mr Westende had the courtesy of mentioning to me that he was interested in the matter - is that officers of the Department of Urban Services have been in preliminary contact with the chamber with a view to sitting down and working out together how we might approach Canberra business with a view to getting expressions of interest from producers of goods or services.
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