Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .

None . . Page.. 74 ..

two jurisdictions. We will, of course, be mindful of the review under way at a national level which aims to promote greater uniformity between workers compensation systems. The Government will not be finalising its position on changes to the Workers Compensation Act without a wide-ranging consultation process.

Mr Speaker, as you have already heard the Chief Minister say, we are committed to an injection of significant funds this year into developing and marketing the Territory's tourism and business potential. We will use part of this money to develop an expanded assistance package which is designed both to help local firms expand and to attract new business. We will also provide targeted assistance to those industries that have a great potential in terms of expanding our export base. One of these is the advanced technology sector. By way of example, I recently announced a grant to CAMBIA. CAMBIA is a small research organisation which has the potential to make the ACT a world leader in agricultural molecular biology and to create employment and specialist skills. I have also provided support to local companies, Willing Partners and Hydsys, to move into the Asian market in environmental and water resources management.

In the same vein, Mr Speaker, last month I announced that a consortium has been formed to prepare an application for Commonwealth funding to establish a Cooperative Multimedia Centre in the ACT. The ACT multimedia industry is characterised by independent but highly innovative companies and pockets of significant expertise within academic and national institutions. As a demonstration of this, a number of the local multimedia title producers have won national awards for the excellence of their products in direct competition with other Australian producers. The ACT Government will support such leadership and innovation and lift the profile of Canberra's many benefits for business in national and international markets. Part of the funds we are committing will be used to further assist the marketing efforts of strategic Canberra businesses and aggressively market Canberra as an attractive business destination. Mr Speaker, as an example I can announce today that the Business, Employment and Tourism Bureau will be jointly sponsoring, with the Capital Property Group and Lend Lease, a major feature in the Building Owners and Managers Association magazine in August. The feature will promote Canberra as a business and investment destination, with particular focus on the strengths of the Canberra property market.

Turning now to other industries, the Liberal Government believes that the development of tourism is one of the cornerstones of the ACT’s future and is one of the most important elements in achieving the continued growth of the national capital. As you have heard, plans for the redevelopment of the Kingston foreshore are already under way. It will create a significant increase in employment, provide opportunities for businesses in the region, and put dollars into the regional economy. It has the undoubted potential to attract an increased number of visitors to Canberra. We will also be looking to develop and implement a strategic plan to revitalise our city centre, including enhancing its tourism potential. The funds will also be used to ensure that highly targeted marketing and promotion of the ACT as a tourist destination, as well as a major conference and convention destination, is increased. There will also be an increased focus to maximise the benefits to Canberra of the Sydney 2000 Olympics. Our attributes as a sporting capital will need to be heavily promoted. We will use such opportunities to strengthen and assist the industry to achieve a greater share of Australia's tourism growth.

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .