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joint ventures in facility developments. We intend, as a first step in meeting our commitment to establish a swimming pool in Belconnen, to undertake investigations into the best options to build an indoor pool. This study will consult widely with the community and existing providers of swimming and recreational facilities on needs and options for construction and management.

In regard to sports events and tourism, the tourism potential of sport is only just being fully recognised nationally. Other jurisdictions have been actively pursuing major events which have significant economic impacts through tourist-related activities. I am keen to ascertain, through an independent study, the economic benefit of sport in the Territory. I understand that there is now a national move to improve the statistics for the sport and recreation industry, and the ABS is currently undertaking a number of surveys which will provide the ACT with important information on the economic value of the sport and recreation industry.

I am working closely with my colleague the Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Business, Employment and Tourism to ensure that we maximise Canberra's participation in the lead-up to and also after the 2000 Olympic Games and capitalise on our very good existing features and facilities. Hosting the Australian Masters Games in October 1997, with an estimated 8,000 participants and visitors - and I have recently seen material which indicates that the number might go to about 12,000, which would be even better - is an integral part of this strategy. With a growing national interest in mature aged sports events, it is expected that the Government's seeding funding will be fully returned to the Territory. I am also keen for Canberra to host the Australian University Games in 1996 as a forerunner to the Masters Games and to further raise the ACT's profile as a top sporting and tourism destination. Those games will provide about 20 ACT sporting organisations with a much needed trial run in terms of the Masters Games. I am particularly pleased that the Australian university sports unions want to hold those games in Canberra.

I was also pleased to be instrumental in gaining the in-principle support of the Australian Rugby Union to hold test matches in Canberra. The Government is keen to support other initiatives for hosting selected international and major national events, and a number of sporting groups have already approached the Government with some exciting proposals. The opportunity to watch top class national and international events in Canberra is a great way of getting money into the community. Once rugby union has been successful with test matches, that should certainly lead the way for international matches in other sports such as soccer and rugby league.

I deal now with funding and support. Another important area is the allocation of funding to organisations, which directly assists the delivery of improved sporting and recreational opportunities to the community. Government policy is to increase the funds available to the Health Promotion Fund by raising tobacco franchise fees from 3 per cent to 5 per cent. Community groups, including sporting organisations, would benefit and be able to further develop effective marketing of health messages through sport and recreation. I do not think there would be too many people who would not agree that the best way to sell a healthy message is through sport and recreation.

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