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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2000 Week 11 Hansard (29 November) . . Page.. 3432 ..

MR STEFANIAK (continuing):

Mr Corbell mentioned federal cuts to universities. I remind him that it was Mr Dawkins who started the cuts and implemented them in a much greater way than the current administration has. Mr Corbell should perhaps look to his own party.

I hear what Mr Wood says. The process outlined in his motion is correct, but I question whether his motion will have any effect upon the university. The government does not oppose Mr Wood's motion. If he wishes to make the point, we do not have a problem with that.

MS TUCKER (5.54): The Greens will be supporting this motion. I thank Mr Wood for giving the Assembly the opportunity to put on the record our views on the plight of the Noel Butlin Archives. The archives are a significant source of primary research materials on Australian work history, culture and life. It is easy to appreciate the value to Australia of an integrated collection of records from businesses, the labour movement and industry and employer organisations engaged in industries ranging from shearing to the waterfront to farming, dating back to 1820.

I note also that the archive has more recently collected educational material concerning AIDS and is the only active national archive with this material. The archive is not only a source for understanding work and labour relations but also a window into culture and cultural change. It is the only national archive of its type in Australia and, together with the University of Melbourne Archives, forms the main repository for documenting the history of working life and Australia's commercial, rural and industrial heritage.

The archive is used by researchers at the ANU and from institutions interstate. It has been used to investigate native title claims. It has recently been a source for an exhibition on the changing role of sport. It still receives materials every week. Stuart Macintyre, Ernest Scott professor of history at Melbourne University, said recently:

The motion notes "the significant role of the Australian National University in teaching postgraduate study and research" and "the importance of the national capital in maintaining leadership in the keeping of nationally significant historical documents".

This motion is about reminding the ANU that they are custodians for the public, and pointing out that this is a valued resource-a valuable public resource. What the motion does not mention is the context of this situation, which is that Commonwealth government funding for universities and for research has been dramatically, tragically cut during the current Liberal/National federal government's period of office.

I would like to comment further on this aspect of the archive. The results of the federal government's approach to education can be seen clearly in the Noel Butlin Archives case. According to the Friends of the Noel Butlin Archives, since 1994 staff levels have been cut from six full-time archivists and two support staff to 2.5 archivists and one support staff, with an operating budget of $250,000.

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