Page 3625 - Week 12 - Tuesday, 19 October 1993
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Mr George Snow
MR CORNWELL (9.40): I cannot let that pass uncommented upon, Madam Speaker. Mr Moore's statement in relation to Mr Snow is quite outrageous. I found the comment by Mr Lamont about Mr Snow being a millionaire quite offensive because it was used in a critical sense. There is no question in my mind about that. It was a classic case of envy, as the spleen was vented across this chamber against a man who has done much for this city, who has brought integrity, I might add, and some fame to the place with his yacht Brindabella. Mr Westende was quite correct. It is not Brindabella II; it is still Brindabella. He has sold the yacht, but he has retained the name.
Mrs Grassby: He has not sold the yacht. You got that wrong, too.
MR CORNWELL: The problem is this, Mrs Grassby: That is as inaccurate as Mr Lamont was in relation to the name of the vessel and the retention of that name. I would suggest that the rest of the information he gave us is equally incorrect. I do want to read into Hansard some of the comments made in Mr Snow's letter, because it has no reference at all to what Mr Moore might like to think, again venting his envy and spleen against a man who has done much for this place. I quote:
Prior to self government the Business Council prepared a "Budget Blueprint" paper, which established the opportunity for the ACT city state to provide a fiscal environment distinctly different from elsewhere in Australia, which would be one characterised by moderate taxation and a disciplined expenditure and low debt. Sadly, this unique opportunity is now being squandered.
A second paragraph states:
Put simply, I believe the ACT Government is hostage to various interest groups in the community who will not allow it to make any meaningful reduction in expenditure levels and prefers to force on the community an increased revenue burden and long term debt.
A third paragraph states:
I believe the Economic Priorities Advisory Committee of the ACT had the possibility of an effective role in advising Government, of improving its fiscal position, but its advice has been ignored and I see no reason why I should continue to commit time and enthusiasm to a cause that is no longer considered relevant by the present Government. Why talk if no-one listens?
This is the man Mr Moore suggests was trying to turn things to his own advantage. I think the evidence speaks for itself. He was attempting to show that this city has a better way of getting back on its feet, that the opportunities could be created here in a much better fashion if this Labor Government would stop being hostage to fortune and hostage to certain special interest groups in this community. I believe that Mr George Snow has done a service to the community by pointing this out, and I believe that his letter will live as an indictment of your Government, Chief Minister, for the next 18 months of your sojourn here.
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