Page 1471 - Week 05 - Thursday, 12 May 1994
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .
Sport - Budget Implications
MR BERRY: My question is to the Deputy Chief Minister in his capacity as Minister for Sport. I refer to the magnificent Labor Federal budget that has just been brought down. Could the Minister advise us what that Federal budget means for sport in the ACT?
MR LAMONT: I thank you for the question, Mr Berry. I again acknowledge your abiding interest in sport in the ACT. Your question demonstrates that you have a far greater interest than the Opposition spokesperson who, to date, I think, has not asked a question about sport in this house this year; but I stand corrected if that is wrong. He may have asked one. Madam Speaker, the Federal Government has agreed to continue a range of initiatives that were commenced a number of years ago. In addition to continuing to fund those initiatives, including funding for additional facilities for the Olympics in the year 2000, the junior and volunteer involvement in sports programs that are being developed - - -
Mr Cornwell: I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. Is it proper that the member who asks the question then gets up and walks away when the answer is being given?
Mr Berry: I can still hear.
MADAM SPEAKER: I call Mr Lamont.
MR LAMONT: The difference between you and Mr Berry on that occasion is that, wherever Mr Berry is, he will understand the answer. I cannot grace you with the same comment.
Madam Speaker, what we will derive from the Federal Government's budget is a substantial boost to athletes and facilities for the 2000 Olympics, and substantial boosts for junior and volunteer involvement in sports programs that have been funded by the Commonwealth over a number of years. They were taken up and assisted by the former Minister for Sport. I will be extremely pleased to provide a full briefing to the Opposition spokesperson, detailing the total amounts dedicated to each of those areas, at a time convenient to him.
Madam Speaker, I would like to indicate during my answer that today I had the pleasure of providing to the ACT and Southern New South Wales Commonwealth Games Fund Raising Committee a cheque for $10,000 on behalf of the ACT Government. This is to assist athletes from this region who will be attending the 1994 Commonwealth Games. I am extremely pleased that the Government has demonstrated its commitment to sport in the ACT and the surrounding region in this way. This program will help develop athletes to compete not only in the 1996 Olympic Games but also in the 2000 Olympic Games.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .