Page 659 - Week 03 - Tuesday, 23 March 1993
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If it is narrow to suggest how this Government can create an environment in which business can prosper in this town and, in the process, overcome the disgraceful unemployment situation in the ACT, I am pleased to plead guilty to that criticism. Perhaps we would be better off if we focused more narrowly on our major problems. We may then find a solution.
The Chief Minister in her speech did not say anything, narrow or broad. It is totally lacking in any substance at all. That has to be a worry for all of us. Let me illustrate. The Chief Minister said, "We believe that there is potential for industries that will create employment". Did the Chief Minister go on and say which industries? Did she give any clues as to why the Government believes that there is potential for industries that will create employment? Not a word. All the Chief Minister said was, "We believe that there is potential for industries that will create employment". Quite honestly, that statement says nothing. It certainly would give no hope to the unemployed. It gives no encouragement to the business community.
I find it amazing that this Government can be so gullible and naive about business matters - not only in relation to the business community but, indeed, in relation to its own business. There was some mention during question time of the importance of public servants being seconded to private enterprise for a period of time to gain a working knowledge of how business functions. I do recall the Chief Minister acknowledging that this is a good idea.
Ms Follett: And it happens. We are doing that.
MR WESTENDE: What is being done about it?
Ms Follett: We are doing it.
MR WESTENDE: It is certainly not known in the business community, Chief Minister.
Ms Follett: They ought to open their eyes.
MR WESTENDE: We seem to have more inquiries from overseas students wanting to come and get some business experience with the company that I am associated with than requests from your Government, Chief Minister. I suggest also that it would be invaluable for the members on the other side to acquaint themselves with the realities of business as well. It would have been encouraging to see at least one of the members of the Labor Government opposite at the Canberra region breakfast last month. Not one was present.
The outline of priorities by the Chief Minister is a very serious indictment of this Government's capacity to confront the important issues facing this Territory. I suggest that the important issues are economic ones. Let us see some policies on those issues; then let us look at the social issues. I think you will find that the increased prosperity that will come from a better economic environment will see many of our social problems solved; for instance, youth unemployment, homelessness, illness, suicide, family difficulties and so on.
Let us look at the priorities outlined by the Chief Minister: Amendments to the Gaming Machine Act, an Independent Health Complaints Unit, a Boxing Control Bill, amendments to the Discrimination Act, the Adoption Bill, further work on legislation to implement a Hare-Clark voting system, membership of the new
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