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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 8 Hansard (28 August) . . Page.. 2611 ..

Mr Corbell: And what has the Commonwealth contributed so far?

MR SPEAKER: Mr Corbell, you asked your question at considerable length. Stop interjecting.

MRS CARNELL: Regularly, with regard to this project, both the Commonwealth and New South Wales have been less than forthcoming, I have to say. Regularly, the ACT has had to get the project back on track and get some commitment from both New South Wales and the Commonwealth. New South Wales had a large amount of trouble moving away from their initial Tilt-train only approach that we saw for a very long time.

The Commonwealth, New South Wales and the ACT Government have established a joint project control group, Mr Speaker. As those opposite should have known, the ACT Government made available in this budget, and last year as well, significant dollars for the fast train project and we have had our people working on it for quite a long time. Mr Speaker, for the interest of those opposite, I would like to table the letter that the Prime Minister sent to Bob Carr. He also sent one to me, looking for a meeting. It is also good to have heard, and to see in writing, comments about the Commonwealth's strong commitment to this project. It was also good to hear the Prime Minister last night speak about ensuring that - - -

Mr Corbell: Now, not six months ago.

Mr Wood: Belatedly.

MR SPEAKER: Order!

MRS CARNELL: It was good to hear the Prime Minister ensuring that we had some tight timeframes now. I believe that the Commonwealth - - -

Mr Corbell: There must be an election coming on.

MR SPEAKER: I warn you, Mr Corbell.

MRS CARNELL: Mr Speaker, I believe that the Commonwealth has not been as forthcoming as they should have been. I have made that point clear lots of times. I think New South Wales has not been, Mr Speaker. Here is that letter. I am now very pleased to have heard the Commonwealth come out with very strong statements, not just about support for the project but about bringing the timeframe forward.

Mr Berry: Rubbish! Playing political games.

Mr Whitecross: What about providing some resources?

Mr Humphries: Mr Speaker, I rise on a point of order. This is really quite intolerable.

MR SPEAKER: Yes, and I will be warning other members very shortly.

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