Page 2575 - Week 09 - Wednesday, 24 August 1994
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Mr Lamont: "Elephant rampages box office. Trainer gored by elephant".
MR STEFANIAK: No. It was not smashed by an elephant or by people. The headline refers to people going through the gate. The article states:
The Moscow Circus broke its box-office records with more than 22,000 people turning out for the seven performances under the Big Top at Queanbeyan Showground.
Circus publicist Coralie Wood thanked Queanbeyan for hosting the circus as it was obvious people wanted to see the show.
"Queanbeyan and their mayor have supported the circus to the hilt and the support was just phenomenal," Ms Wood said.
Betty Percy from the Queanbeyan Tourist Information Centre said she had no official figures but several hotels had been booked out.
"It has been good for the community, they caused no problems and we're sad to see them go," Mrs Percy said.
Queanbeyan Chamber of Commerce president Edith Buckley said all traders had been delighted with a definite increase in trading over the past week.
Queanbeyan certainly has benefited from the incorrect decision made by this Assembly back in 1992. How much business has Canberra missed out on? How many employment opportunities have been missed out on because of this move - a move made when, as I have indicated, there were relevant safeguards in the original Bill to protect the welfare of the animals concerned?
Mr De Domenico: A lot of people like to work for circuses, too.
MR STEFANIAK: Yes, they do indeed. Circuses have also offered traditional family entertainment. Madam Speaker, in this Year of the Family - with the constant complaints of the breakdown of the family unit, problems emanating from violence in the home, violence on TV, drugs, X-rated movies, et cetera - here is a form of entertainment that all members of the family and all generations have traditionally enjoyed. The safeguards are there already. A code of practice can further enhance those safeguards.
Madam Speaker, this Assembly has an opportunity to reverse a misguided decision. I commend the Bill to the house for its due consideration. I ask for leave to present an explanatory memorandum.
Leave granted.
MR STEFANIAK: I present an explanatory memorandum to this Bill.
Debate (on motion by Mr Wood) adjourned.
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