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The other recommendations, particularly concerning things like roadworks, for example, are matters of some concern which the Cabinet needs to consider in more detail. I can indicate that I will be making a statement about the position of the Government on those questions at some time in the next week or two, so that there will be ample opportunity for members to disallow the variation in the sitting of the Assembly in the later part of June if members are not satisfied with the Government's response to the issues raised by the committee.
There are some other issues, though, that I can respond to positively at this stage. The making of a copy of all submissions available when documents are submitted is an important step which we would support. That will, I hope, occur as of now. The question of concessional lease policy is a matter of some considerable concern to me. Mr Moore has indicated a concern that there might have been some loss of revenue to the Territory on the basis of an error in the way in which the discount rate is calculated. That is a matter of great concern, not so much because of this particular matter but because, obviously, leases have been issued over a number of years under this regime, and it is possible that betterment has in some way been compromised over that period if the issues raised by the committee are proved to be true. Mr Moore has indicated that there is legal advice being sought on that position. I indicate my concern about the implications of the finding that there is a problem with our calculation of betterment.
As I said earlier today in question time, I intend to make a statement to the Assembly in June on a range of planning and leasing issues. In that statement, I will respond to at least some of the issues raised by the committee. I have tabled the variation to the Territory Plan, and I commend it to the Assembly. The issues that are raised in this debate are of some concern. Mr Kaine's concerns are important ones which need to be picked up in that statement that I intend to make in June. I hope that we can resolve those issues at that stage.
The traffic recommendations cause me, I confess, a slight concern, because they would consume a very large proportion of the betterment tax that we currently expect to receive from the development. That may result in having to bring forward some roadworks which would not otherwise have been planned to be brought forward at that pace. Maybe that is an appropriate thing to happen. I simply indicate that my advice at this stage is not to confirm any necessity for that to occur, but I am prepared to accept that the committee has made the recommendations and that we should take them on board if that is appropriate.
Mr Berry: You had better.
MR HUMPHRIES: I will respond to the committee when I report on that matter in the next sitting.
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