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Mr Speaker, last week I released the draft ACT tourism development strategy prepared after extensive consultation with the local and regional tourism industry. I must say that it is a strategy that was commenced by the previous Labor Government, and we applaud them for that. The strategy envisages that, by implementing policies which directly target potential growth markets and facilitate local product development, tourism has the potential to support 20,000 jobs and inject $1 billion into the economy by the year 2004. I am now seeking further industry and community input into the finalisation of the strategy, and I welcome any injection into that that the Opposition might have.

Mr Speaker, today I have only touched upon some of the plans that the Liberal Government has for stimulating economic growth. I am sure that members of the Assembly will agree that we have a promising future in Canberra. We need to capture the expertise and the opportunities which are presented to us to grow Canberra business. This has to be a joint effort by business and government. We will provide the right climate and support, but it is business which must actually deliver the jobs and investment. I can now say that, under the Liberal Government, Canberra is open for business. I intend to keep the Assembly informed of our successful achievements. Mr Speaker, might I finish my statement by saying that in seven weeks, since the Carnell Government took office, I think we have given more positive signs to the business community than anybody else has over the past six years. As I said before, the summary is that Canberra is open for business; it is open for good business, clean and environmentally friendly business. Mr Speaker, I table a copy of this statement, and I move:

That the Assembly takes note of the paper.

Debate (on motion by Mr Wood) adjourned.

POLICING ARRANGEMENTS

Ministerial Statement

MR HUMPHRIES (Attorney-General and Minister for Police): Mr Speaker, I ask for leave of the Assembly to make a ministerial statement on policing arrangements in the Australian Capital Territory.

Leave granted.

MR HUMPHRIES: I thank members. Mr Speaker, members will be aware that new interim arrangements have come into effect for the management of police services in the ACT. These arrangements are a consequence of the recent retirement of the Chief Police Officer, Assistant Commissioner Peter Dawson. AFP Commissioner Mick Palmer has now assumed the responsibilities of this office of Chief Police Officer and he is being assisted in the day-to-day management of the ACT police region by Deputy Commissioner Jim Allen. These arrangements were put in place by Commissioner Palmer after consultation with me and the Commonwealth Minister for Justice, the Hon. Duncan Kerr, MP. The arrangements will apply on an interim basis so that the ACT and Commonwealth governments are able to consider the findings and recommendations of stage 2 of the review of ACT police services before any permanent management arrangements are put in place.

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