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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1998 Week 6 Hansard (3 September) . . Page.. 1889 ..

MR WOOD: My question is to the Chief Minister. During springtime in Canberra many Canberra parents spend their lunchtimes visiting Floriade to see and hear their children from primary and secondary schools and colleges entertaining the crowds, free, through dance, song and music. The audiences in the past have enjoyed the shows. The children certainly enjoyed the chance to perform. This year, however, the schools and children have not been invited to participate. Is it the case that the reason for this decision is to save the Government the embarrassment of having thousands of parents complaining about having to pay to get in?

MS CARNELL: Mr Speaker, I can guarantee that that is not the case. When that came to my attention yesterday, I sought a briefing from CTEC, but I have not got that briefing yet.

Mr Wood: I take it you will tell me when you get your briefing.

MS CARNELL: Absolutely.

MR WOOD: I will put a plug in. It is great to go over there and listen to the school choirs, bands and so on. It shows what a good job our schools are doing.

MS CARNELL: Mr Speaker, I do not know that that was a supplementary question. It was a comment, I think. I agree. Obviously, the decision on who performs at Floriade is made by the organisers of Floriade, not by the Government. Mr Humphries and I do not get in there and say, "Who will we have on the agenda this year?". We do not do that, as those opposite will know perfectly well. I have sought a briefing, and I will be interested to see the basis of the decision as well.

MR RUGENDYKE: My question is to the Education Minister, Mr Stefaniak. Minister, I raise this question on behalf of the community of the Miles Franklin Primary School. Presently the children there do not have an oval at their school fit for use. How does this comply with your compulsory physical education policy?

Mr Stanhope: Good question, Dave.

MR STEFANIAK: Yes, it is a good question, because you lot started it, Mr Stanhope, making 27 ovals low maintenance.

Mr Corbell: And how long have you been in government, Mr Stefaniak?

MR STEFANIAK: Quite a while, Mr Corbell. I think if members opposite realised - - -

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