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We have already begun the process of creating an environment that is conducive for investment. I will, for instance, be meeting later this week with Mrs Elizabeth Whitelaw, chairperson of the red tape task force I announced last week, to begin this important regulatory review initiative. I have also recently approved expenditure to begin filming a series of up-market television commercials which will be central to an intensive marketing campaign being planned by Canberra Tourism's locally-based advertising agency, Grey Advertising. This underlines the fact that we have hit the ground running and we are serious that Canberra is now open for business. We are in the process of implementing our pre-election commitments, and I look forward to informing the Assembly in due course of the many initiatives we will be undertaking.
Mr Speaker, I need to make some comments about the contributions made by Ms Tucker and Mr Wood. It was a contrast of contributions. Whilst we might not agree with all that Ms Tucker had to say, she certainly made some interesting comments and she gave some constructive criticisms. I could not agree with Ms Tucker more when she talked about green industries. I took notes when she was talking about that. In my mind I went through the things that I am aware of in terms of green industries in the areas of my responsibilities. Mr Speaker, I think the Assembly should know what ACTEW, for example, has done in terms of energy. I note that Ms Tucker was at the opening of some energy efficient houses at Gungahlin some weeks ago. ACTEW is heavily involved in that side of things. ACTEW also is involved in using grey water, for example, at Southwell Park to water various areas.
Mr Wood: We did a good job with that, did we not?
MR DE DOMENICO: These initiatives were commenced by the previous Government. ACTEW is involved in that already. I am aware of the initiatives in the Parks and Conservation area of my responsibility as well, in terms of what has been happening with greening industries. I note that there are worm farms now being tested by the Government. Ms Tucker, I am sure, is aware that the Government is very interested in the high-tech area, as was the previous Government, and we have the blessing of some very fantastic smaller high-tech companies here in the ACT. I note that recently we announced the bid for a multi-meter communications industry here in Canberra as well, which will, hopefully, be funded by Commonwealth Government funds.
Both sides of the house have talked about the potential in terms of markets and transporting things like vegetables and flowers and what have you from an international air freight capacity at Canberra Airport. I think Mr Kaine's committee will shortly be looking into the possibility of that. I note that a lot is being done in the area of waste management. It was initiated by the former Labor Government; but it is continuing, and that is all good stuff. I also note that there have been some things said in this place at other times, when I and other people were on the other side of the house, about the benefit of recycling estates.
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