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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2000 Week 4 Hansard (29 March) . . Page.. 1026 ..

MR STANHOPE (continuing):

education infrastructure. Mr Stefaniak has indicated the Government's support for the thrust of the motion which Mr Berry has placed on the table today, and we welcome that.

In these few brief words of endorsement and support, and reiteration of the issues facing East Timor and the significant role which Australia has played and will continue to play, I wish also to comment on the notion raised by Ms Tucker - the prospect, over and above the sentiments expressed in Mr Berry's motion, of a more formal relationship between Canberra and Dili. I think it is a suggestion worthy of further discussion and exploration. There is a role the Assembly can play in coordinating that sort of response.

I simply want to indicate that I endorse this motion and acknowledge the good sense of the suggestion made by Ms Tucker about the prospects for perhaps not a formal sister city relationship but at least a relationship that recognises a continuing and abiding friendship between Canberra and the Canberra community and Dili and the Dili community. I think it would give real expression to this community's solidarity with the people of East Timor, a solidarity that could be expressed through a relationship that we might develop, for the want of a better expression, as a sister city but at least as a city of friends to the people of Dili.

That is probably all I need to say. I think the issues have been canvassed by all members. It is pleasing to see the level of unanimity amongst members about the physical and human devastation and destruction that have been meted out in East Timor. These are some suggestions for how the Canberra community might continue in its obvious practical support for that emerging nation and for the people of that nation, who have suffered so grievously.

MR SMYTH (Minister for Urban Services) (12.23): Mr Speaker, the Chief Minister has been delayed and has asked me to say a few words on her behalf and on behalf of the Government. I am sure that all members of the Assembly join me in acknowledging the dreadful devastation that has been faced by the people of East Timor. Education facilities and services were severely affected following the East Timor ballot. Schools and libraries were damaged or destroyed, and large numbers of teachers left the country. Clearly, education is a basic right and a need for all people.

Particularly important to a country like East Timor, recovering from the devastation it has suffered and moving forward, is rebuilding its infrastructure and its identity. In fact, I doubt whether there is anyone in Australia who has not been shocked and saddened by the situation faced by the people of East Timor. We want to help, and the best way we can do that is to be part of a country strategy managed at a national level through AusAID. It is essential that assistance in East Timor be well planned and coordinated, helping to create a sustainable way for East Timor to move forward. AusAID is developing an interim country strategy within the framework established by the United Nations.

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