Page 1607 - Week 06 - Tuesday, 17 May 1994
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I think that is acknowledged. The new arrangement will create, for the first time, an impost across the cottage construction industry, and rightfully so. The cost of the training that will be provided through apprenticeship schemes and the like will be spread across the whole of the building and construction industry.
Mr De Domenico: You do not believe this, David, do you?
MR LAMONT: Mr De Domenico has a throwaway line, that I do not believe it. The difference between him and me is that he does not understand it.
Getting back to the issue, it is quite clear that we do need to maintain an appropriate ongoing funding base for training within this quite essential industry. It is interesting to note that the building and construction industry is the sixth largest industry in Australia, Madam Speaker. It is higher on that scale within the ACT, so its importance, both in terms of the quality of the industry - - -
Mr De Domenico: And you are just about to tax it. If it goes well, tax it into oblivion.
MR LAMONT: They are carping again. We are talking about a levy of about $20, as I understand it, on the typical house, and up to about an average of $200.
Mr De Domenico: Have a look at the Bill, please.
MR LAMONT: I have. As I understand it, the provision of that sort of money for training will offset the funds which have not been paid to date. It is relevant to note that, in general, they have not been paid to date in the cottage construction industry.
Mr Cornwell: So it is retrospective, is it?
MR LAMONT: No, it is not retrospective, but it is about contributing to training for all of the industry. That is the desire. In no way do I wish to denigrate the current group apprenticeship scheme that operates in the ACT, but it is true to say that it does not enjoy wide support within what you have called "all of the industry sectors", and that is all of the participants.
Mrs Carnell: The HIA, the MBA, CONFACT.
MR LAMONT: I will tell you what; if the HIA is now saying that it is okay, there has been a very late conversion on the road to Damascus. If you go out and you talk to the people who are involved you certainly get a different view. Should this Bill be passed tonight, I have absolutely no doubt that the Housing Industry Association's representatives will be active and vocal participants in the new scheme of arrangements. I am absolutely confident. For them to do anything else would be irresponsible, Mr De Domenico. They acknowledge it, and so do you.
Mr De Domenico: Why?
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