Page 2873 - Week 11 - Thursday, 22 October 1992
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PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE -
STANDING COMMITTEE
Reference - Casino Premium
MS SZUTY (10.39): Madam Speaker, I move:
That the Standing Committee on Planning, Development and Infrastructure:
(1) Investigate and report on recommendations to the Assembly on the possible use of the $19m casino premium, having regard to:
(a) the report of the Select Committee on Cultural Activities and Facilities, June 1991; and
(b) the ACT Government's stated objective to commit the funds to cultural and heritage facilities.
(2) The Committee to report to the Legislative Assembly by 10 December 1992.
Madam Speaker, the establishment of the Canberra casino and the $19m premium which has been paid to the ACT Government presents us with an opportunity to spend the money on behalf of the Territory intelligently, sensibly and sensitively. I believe that the best way to achieve this is through an open community consultation process which invites our community to put forward their ideas and proposals for funding. Such a process builds a cohesive community, one which works together to best further the interests of our city in the future. Already several proposals have been put forward in the public arena for consideration. The Canberra Business Council has endorsed the redevelopment of the Canberra Theatre Centre; Senator Bob McMullan has proposed an art gallery to meet the needs of the ACT and region; and Domenic Mico has suggested providing arts facilities in Tuggeranong. An open consultation process will draw out these suggestions already brought forward and enable the most appropriate decision to be made in the end.
Madam Speaker, I now wish to turn my attention to the inquiry itself. I have asked that the matter be referred to the Assembly's Planning, Development and Infrastructure Committee. The committee's first term of reference includes the criterion of infrastructure and capital works, which enables this inquiry to be included in the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Committee's program. There would also have been some merit in referring the matter to the Assembly's Social Policy Committee. However, I am aware that the Social Policy Committee is fully occupied at present finalising its inquiry into aged accommodation and support services.
I have asked that the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Committee take into consideration two factors: Firstly, the report of the First Legislative Assembly's Select Committee on Cultural Activities and Facilities, finalised in June 1991. This comprehensive report produced an impressive array of recommendations, many of which can be seriously considered now in the light of the funds which have become available. Secondly, the ACT Government's stated objective to commit the funds to cultural and heritage facilities will be taken into account. The theme of the committee's inquiry will thus be established and will
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