Page 2587 - Week 09 - Tuesday, 24 August 1993
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Mr Kaine's views are not surprising, given that the Liberals have a policy that the leasehold system in the ACT should be converted to a freehold system. Mr Moore is correct to say that there is a big difference between the leasehold system and the freehold system. Mr De Domenico said that the basic question is how the community benefits. He may see that benefit in other ways; but the principle of the leasehold system, whether you support it or not, has been that any change in the lease conditions that increases the value is taken back to the ACT community. That is the fundamental part of it, and that is the control that I am predominantly looking at. It is the case that John Gorton - in 1970, I am told - because of a by-election and a desire to do something perceived to be popular, made very significant changes to the leasehold system from which arose the betterment; but that will be part of a debate in the future.
I did indicate some time ago that we were having this review. I did not run it as a major public issue because I felt that it had the potential to create activity ahead of a possible change or that it might stir up those who were active in that part of life in the ACT. So there was not a consideration on my part at that stage of going into full community consultation. I did not believe it appropriate; but a debate has emerged since, and in order to see that that debate is well informed I have put out this statement today. As soon as I can, I will come back into the Assembly with some more details.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
MR MOORE: I seek leave, under standing order 46, to make a personal explanation.
MADAM SPEAKER: Yes, you have my leave.
MR MOORE: Thank you, Madam Speaker. Mr De Domenico made a statement with reference to me and developers, saying that in some way I was out to attack all developers and so forth. That simply is not the truth of the matter, Madam Speaker. I think the developers in this town have a very important role to play, and I think they are entitled to make their profit at the appropriate time. I believe that they are not entitled to make profit from an area that I believe belongs with the community as a whole, but I recognise how the law stands at the moment, Madam Speaker. The way the law stands at the moment, they are entitled to do that. I would like to see the law changed to ensure that the community gets what I believe to be its full entitlement. Madam Speaker, to suggest that in some way I am just anti all developers is totally inappropriate.
LEAVE OF ABSENCE TO MEMBER
Motion (by Mr Lamont) agreed to:
That leave of absence from 24 to 26 August 1993 inclusive be given to Mr Stevenson.
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