Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .

Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 11 Hansard (5 November) . . Page.. 3639 ..

MRS CARNELL (continuing):

$133m and up to 1,000 jobs. Last week we saw the release of the design for the museum and the announcement of the successful design team. This will be a major national project, a big tourist drawcard for Canberra, and a centrepiece for the Centenary of Federation in 2001. It is also a project that Labor governments, both federally and locally, could not deliver. They talked about it a lot, had lots of photos taken, but did not deliver. Mr Speaker, one of the things that I am most pleased about is that the plan, of course, includes the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Centre - something again that those opposite could not deliver on. The fact is that we now have a plan. We will have a local indigenous cultural centre here in the ACT. I think that is very exciting and a great employment project for young indigenous people and indigenous artists here in the ACT.

Mr Speaker, the second project is the Lend Lease Woden Plaza development - $90m and again up to 1,000 jobs. It is a major refurbishment and expansion of a major shopping centre here in Canberra that is just having its twenty-fifth birthday. Over the last couple of days we have had the announcement of the CSIRO Discovery Centre - $17m, Mr Speaker. Contracts have been let for this project, which will showcase Australia's scientific prowess and will be another major tourist attraction. Coles, one of Australia's largest retailers, has announced $18m and about 220 jobs for major supermarket refurbishment and construction programs in Canberra. But, as well, we have had an announcement from Old Parliament House - $15m and around 50 jobs. There will be the creation of a permanent home for the National Portrait Gallery and further refurbishment work to preserve what is a wonderful building and a real national treasure.

Mr Speaker, they are by no means all of the major projects that are under way or planned for Canberra. They do not include such things as the very high speed train between Sydney and Canberra, which has now gone to the detailed tender stage. I understand that a number of the groups that went through the first stage of the project are still interested in going forward, which is very exciting. Those five major projects alone will see $270m committed to Canberra, creating literally thousands of jobs.

Mr Speaker, on top of the economic data showing that the ACT economy is now in recovery and recording strong growth in full-time employment, retail sales and job advertisements, this level of investment is a clear sign of Canberra's economic revival. In a word, Mr Speaker, this is about confidence - confidence to invest, confidence to employ and confidence in the future of our national capital. It has not been by accident, though, Mr Speaker. It has happened because the Government has been out there attracting new business and new jobs, convincing investors that this is a great place to put their money and holding the Federal Government to its promises on such things as the National Museum and the high speed train.

The contrast between this side of the house and those opposite, I suspect, Mr Speaker, has never been more stark than it is on the policies of economic revival. Mr Speaker, can you imagine Mr Berry out there negotiating with business and convincing business that it should come to Canberra? Yes, he does have the nickname "Mr Business", Mr Speaker; but I have to say that I cannot imagine it, not even in a nightmare. Mr Berry has no policies; but he does have a slogan, and I think the slogan should be, "Stick your head in the sand and hope".

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .