Page 759 - Week 03 - Wednesday, 13 April 1994
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In the area of sport there are a range of issues. This Government has been committed to increasing the participation rate of the community in sport, because there is a strong connection between sport and health and quality of life. It also has some impact in the business sector. Recognising that, I established the ACT Sport and Recreation Council in December 1991 to provide advice to the ACT Government in developing and implementing its sport and recreation policies. Among the many things that that council has advised me on, they were involved in the development of a draft strategic plan, "More than a Game", for the future of sport and recreation facilities and programs in the ACT. That will set the pace, I am sure, for the future of sport and recreation facilities and programs in the ACT.
As a result of Sydney winning the 2000 Olympic Games, in September 1993 the ACT Government established the ACT 2000 Committee to provide advice on the benefits, opportunities and strategies for the ACT arising from Sydney winning those games. That committee is now working at a hot pace, I am informed, on the development of activities which would be useful for the Territory.
I turn to sports drug testing legislation. I recall some activity from the Liberals when this was first talked about. Since it has become clear that it is good legislation, it is a matter of record that they have gone quiet on the matter. They have not said that it is good legislation very often. I have not heard them applauding the Government.
Mr Cornwell: You would not consult the community on it. We got that started for you.
MR BERRY: Get out with you. In June 1993 I introduced the sports drug testing legislation into the Assembly. The legislation enables the administration of drug sampling and testing functions on athletes representing the Territory or competing at the top level of their sport in ACT competition. To support the provisions of the legislation I also established an ACT Sports Drug Education Unit in a joint venture with the Australian Sports Drug Agency, and in May 1993 I jointly launched a drugs in sport education kit with the then Federal Minister for Sport, Ros Kelly.
A Sports Drug Testing Consultative Committee has been established to seek community opinion and to advise on aspects affecting the implementation of the drug testing program in the ACT. The committee has recently provided to me its report on the findings of the community consultation. That report will now be considered as a basis for debating the sports drug testing Bill. That Bill is scheduled, but we will have to see how it goes in terms of Government business.
The Boxing Control Act was introduced, not without dispute. I understand that some of the principles that were involved in the disputes about that matter are still in strife. But, from my point of view, we introduced it and we got it through. We did not get it through the way we wanted to get it through, but it is through.
The Tuggeranong pool is one of the most outstanding sport and recreation centres to be opened in this Territory for a long time. That outstanding new centre cost almost $10m - $9.95m. It was opened in May by the Chief Minister. It provides the Tuggeranong community and the rest of the ACT with excellent facilities for swimming, recreation and
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