Page 1490 - Week 06 - Tuesday, 18 May 1993
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Madam Speaker, I am advised that plans are now well advanced to modify areas of the interchange, including "the black hole", and there are plans which require the removal of many of the existing structures. Specifically, the columns and the solid concrete balustrades will be removed from the interchange, as will a number of the walls. As part of this project, the consultants have indicated that it is most undesirable to have a food outlet, which is the business in question - - -
Mr Kaine: I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. The Chief Minister has obviously been well briefed on a capital works project, but what she is saying has nothing to do with the question that she was asked, which had to do with rental increases.
MADAM SPEAKER: The Chief Minister will proceed. She is getting to the point of the question, I am sure. Please proceed, Chief Minister.
MS FOLLETT: Madam Speaker, the business at issue is in fact a food outlet. The consultants in charge of this project have advised that it would be most undesirable to continue with that food outlet located, as it is, between two toilet entrances. I think most members would have some sympathy with that view. The consultants have recommended the removal of that food kiosk to allow for the further opening up of that black hole area.
Madam Speaker, in relation to that matter I am aware of correspondence, in particular a letter dated 5 March, which indicates to the lessee that his rent is to be increased from $19,000 to $30,000 per annum. I am aware also, Madam Speaker, of a further letter to the lessee dated 7 May, which indicates that his lease will be terminated because of the works going on at the Woden interchange and further indicates that in these circumstances the increased rent will not be required from the lessee. Madam Speaker, that second letter of 7 May gives the lessee, in fact, three months' notice.
There are some aspects of this which concern me, I must admit. What I propose to do is to ask my Economic Development Division to get in touch with this person, whom I might say I have not heard from myself, to see whether any assistance can be offered to him perhaps in relocating his business, because it is a matter of great concern to me that a business which has been operating apparently for some time should be put out of business in this fashion or put out of its current accommodation in this fashion. I propose to ask the Economic Development Division to undertake that as a matter of some urgency.
MRS CARNELL: I have a supplementary question. I ask the Chief Minister whether she thinks it is appropriate that a small business that has been in place for nine years under the present ownership, and longer in reality, should be given three months, and three months only, to vacate its premises.
MS FOLLETT: Madam Speaker, it is my understanding that this particular lessee has been on a very short-term lease.
Mr Wood: For five years plus.
MS FOLLETT: Yes. As to the particular terms of that lease, I would have to get further details.
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