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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 4 Hansard (7 May) . . Page.. 1094 ..

MR STEFANIAK (continuing):

I table that, Mr Speaker. The man is a renowned expert in these matters. Ms Horodny, not only would this be a very effective and probably the most cost-effective use of the rubble from Royal Canberra Hospital after the recyclable materials have been taken out, as the Chief Minister has said, but also it would resolve a longstanding issue; it would make that part of the ACT less of an eyesore than it is now. I think it would really accentuate the ambience of the place, especially when it is landscaped properly. There will also be some soil from Bruce Stadium put on it. It would make the place look a lot better than it currently does. I think all of those are very great positives.

This will greatly assist the motor sports themselves in terms of issues such as noise abatement and facilities for spectators. Remember that not only are there a lot of people in the ACT who get great enjoyment out of motor sport, especially things like the karts, and a lot of young children learn, I think, very useful driving skills as a result; but also many people - ordinary men, women and children - come here on a regular basis from interstate to participate in these activities. They usually come from throughout New South Wales and from as far away as Victoria to the regular events that are held there. It is a very well used and patronised facility, and I think all these measures would greatly assist in terms of encouraging those people to continue to come here. It all helps with tourism, and that is not an insignificant factor.

Mr Speaker, just in terms of the Fairbairn Park issues which Ms Horodny raises, this is an excellent use of spoil from Royal Canberra Hospital. It helps to solve a number of issues that I think have plagued this facility for many years. I think it is a great step for everyone associated with the facility, not the least of whom would be the few people - and I think there are only a few - who have led a campaign against the motor sports' use of that facility. I think those individuals will be very pleasantly surprised at how well this will turn out for them.

MR SPEAKER: Ms McRae asked me for a ruling on whether or not it was in order for this motion to be put forward, inasmuch as contracts had been let and, if this motion were passed, it may lead to the cancellation or perhaps the revoking of the contracts. That would involve the Government and the people of the ACT, presumably including those who voted in favour of this motion, in a substantial payment to the contractors. The motion, however, is in order. There are a number of motions on the notice paper, including one at page 1478 - No. 12, by Ms McRae herself - calling on the Minister for Education to restore funding to the Year 12 evening college programs, which involves the Government funding something beyond - - -

Ms McRae: No; this would be new expenditure.

MR SPEAKER: No; Government funding on a request of the Assembly. This motion is no different. In the event that it is supported, there will be extra costs by the Government involved. What I am saying is that it is not unusual for the Assembly to make these demands. It is, of course, in the Assembly's hands whether they wish to incur those costs on behalf of the ACT Government, but I rule that the motion before the house is in order.

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