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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 3 Hansard (8 April) . . Page.. 684 ..

MR KAINE (continuing):

Mr Corbell should also understand that the evaluation process currently being undertaken is itself an evaluation of the environmental, technological and economic viability of the various proposals for the high-speed train. When it comes to a conclusion it will answer some, if not all, of the questions in his mind. In short, I do not favour diverting scarce resources away from the main game of evaluating a contender into some side game which can do nothing but delay the project.

Mr Whitecross: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. Mr Kaine, referring to a committee chaired by Mr Hird, referred to scarce resources. I hope he was not reflecting on Mr Hird's resources.

MR SPEAKER: There is no point of order.

MS McRAE: My question is to Mrs Carnell in her capacity as Chief Minister. Chief Minister, I draw your attention to an article, which appeared in the Canberra Times on Sunday, 6 April, in relation to the issuing of keno licences. The article states that both the casino and ACTTAB are vying for rights to be the sole operator in the Territory. Chief Minister, the article states:

ACTTAB appears to be in the box seat, since its two shareholders are Chief Minister Kate Carnell and Deputy Chief Minister Gary Humphries, but it is understood the final decision rests with the head of the Chief Minister's Department, John Walker.

Chief Minister, does this mean that Mr Walker, who is referred to as the vice-president, has increased his influence to the point where the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister of the Territory now have to kowtow before him?

MRS CARNELL: That is a very interesting question. I am very glad it was asked. Unfortunately, the Canberra Times was wrong. The final decision lies with me as Chief Minister, as you would expect to be the case. I have spoken at length to the TAB, the casino, the licensed clubs and just about everybody else on this particular issue. The position as it currently stands is that those who have put in applications that have met the guidelines that are necessary will be looked at for approval. At this stage nobody has been approved. There are some issues to be resolved with the casino.

MS McRAE: I ask a supplementary question. Chief Minister, is it of concern to you that the head of your department has become such a political player that he is portrayed in cartoons at your side and he, rather than your elected colleagues, is seen as the chief decision-maker in your Government?

MRS CARNELL: I am very interested to learn that you believe that everything the Canberra Times writes is correct. I understand that that particular article was written by Peter Clack. Mr Clack, I have to say, did not speak to me about it at all. He and that article were simply wrong. I believe very strongly that the heads of both of my departments should work very closely with me, and they do. I understand that that is

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