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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 12 Hansard (13 November) . . Page.. 4092 ..

MR OSBORNE (continuing):

I have spoken to both sides in this debate, and have taken their concerns into account. As always, there is some merit on both sides. But, in the end, somebody - and that is those of us in this place - has to weigh them and make a decision. Someone has to wear the responsibility for that decision and accept the criticism of those who are unhappy with it. That position falls to us today. I certainly will not back away from it. I have decided to support the development, as it has cleared the bars already set by this place and has been modified in an effort to comply with the multitude of demands. That does not mean that I do not have some reservations about the development and the impacts it will have on some of the smaller shopping centres. But, as I said, it is a question of looking at the arguments, on balance, and making a choice. Some will say that I have made the wrong choice. I can live with that.

I would like to make one point to those who will spend the day trying to manufacture just the right amount of bile to describe me and others in this place on TV tonight. Canberra is a city. Let me repeat that, Mr Speaker: Canberra is a city. If we want this city to grow, if we want to create jobs for our kids, then we have to encourage this development. I sometimes think that there is a small section in our community who agree with the old criticism of Canberra, that it is a good sheep paddock spoilt. Somehow these people have been able to set themselves up as the conscience of the community and the sole arbiters of what is right and wrong. There is almost no development that some of these so-called community representatives do not steadfastly oppose. They will never be happy whenever we approve a development. Frankly, in my opinion, there is no point in trying to please them.

I understand from a message left on my answering machine this morning that some of those who oppose this development will continue to battle to stop it. That is their democratic right, and I encourage that. However, I find the threatening tone of the message - that they will make this fight political - laughable. Mr Speaker, I am shaking in my boots. I am sure you can see that from up there. This fight has been political since day one. No doubt, it will make a decent plank for some people's election campaigns. Just who, Mr Speaker, I will leave to you. Might I be so bold as to suggest that there is no way that I will be turned around by threats. Finally, if, in the future, there is another issue that these people want to discuss, I would suggest that they take a less Neanderthal approach and stop being so threatening if they expect me to listen to them.

As I said, I will be supporting this development. I do not have a great interest in planning. The longer I am in here, the more justified I am in taking that stance. It would appear that all the checks and balances have been undertaken. This development will not please everybody, but the reality is that with every decision we make there are people who do not agree. I will be supporting the development, but I will not be supporting the motion of the Greens.

MR SPEAKER: The debate is interrupted, and I understand that it is the wish of the Assembly that this matter take precedence of Executive business this afternoon.

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