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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2000 Week 1 Hansard (15 February) . . Page.. 35 ..

MR STEFANIAK (continuing):

I think there are some very positive benefits there. I think it is essential that that money is spent in the best possible way, and I think this is an exciting proposal. It is a real shame that there are still problems in terms of what happens at Rugby League Park. I think that is a bit of a tragedy. There still seem to be ongoing problems there. Quite clearly, Mr Kaine, this money was for a specific purpose for the Raiders, and at the time it was hoped that it would be used at Rugby League Park, which the CDRL, I understand, had the lease of.

MR KAINE: I have a supplementary question, Mr Speaker, and I think Mr Moore might have answered that question better. I remind the Minister that his own budget specified that this money was for headquarters for Canberra and District Rugby League football. Does he not know the difference between that and the Raiders? Since it was specifically appropriated for that, and noting that the comment by the Chief Minister's spin doctor was that since there is no agreement between the CDRL and the Raiders, which seems to be the basis of the change in the decision, the money will be moved to the CIT, we are told, is this yet another example of the cavalier fashion in which this Government approaches financial management, or should I say mismanagement, since it is now clearly going to be used for a purpose other than that for which it was appropriated? Is this going to be just another project that ends up in the hands of the Auditor-General for a probity check?

MR STEFANIAK: I do not think so, Mr Kaine, no.

MR HUMPHRIES: Mr Speaker, as Treasurer I am happy to take the supplementary question because it relates to the operation of the budget.

Mr Berry: This is a curious one. We can split the questions up now. Mr Speaker - - -

MR SPEAKER: Order, please! There is no point of order, Mr Berry. Resume your seat.

Mr Berry: With respect, you have not heard it yet.

MR SPEAKER: No, but there is no point of order. You were going to raise the question - - -

Mr Berry: Mr Speaker, I would like to hear whether or not Mr Stefaniak can answer the question.

MR SPEAKER: Well, you are going to be disappointed on this occasion because the Treasurer has elected to answer it.

MR HUMPHRIES: Mr Stefaniak has accurately told the Assembly what the nature of the arrangements have been with Rugby League Park and the very long negotiations that have taken place over a number of years and a number of governments to try to finalise the appropriate use of that park and the appropriate upgrade to accommodate the needs of rugby league in the ACT. Mr Kaine's supplementary question related specifically to the money having been appropriated to the CDRL and now being moved, to use his words, to the CIT.

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