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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2002 Week 1 Hansard (12 December) . . Page.. 162 ..

MR QUINLAN (continuing):

early January 2002. The government will work with Canberra's world-leading bioscience organisations to finalise a bid for the national biotechnology centre of excellence.

There is a real need to establish coordination in the area of labour market programs so that they best service those they are intended to reach-the unemployed. To that end, Labor will establish a central labour market unit which will operate as a single point of access for those seeking employment. One of the key tasks of the new labour market unit will be to convene quarterly an ACT jobs and economy forum, involving all stakeholders and aimed at identifying emerging labour market issues in the ACT. We will also spend half a million dollars on enhancing existing programs like Skill 500 and Restart and establishing new programs that will have a significant impact in reducing the numbers of our unemployed.

Mr Speaker, the government is proceeding with the arrangement to host Focus on Business from 10 to 12 March 2002. Focus on Business is the ACT's opportunity to showcase itself to Australia and the world. At its completion, we will review its impact to determine how it may evolve to stay relevant in changing times.

We also made a specific commitment to recognise the central role of business incubators. Reflecting this priority, a discussion paper on incubators and technology parks will soon be released for community comment.

Ansett's fall and the knock-on effect for Kendell and Hazelton airlines cost hundreds of jobs and probably 18,000 seats a week through the Canberra Airport. It may be fewer if Qantas keeps introducing more flights from February. During the past fortnight this government has been working closely with relevant industry bodies and private sector groups to minimise the immediate and long-term effects on the territory's economy as a result of the Ansett collapse. The government will continue to work with the Canberra International Airport to encourage airline operators to increase capacity and choice for passengers.

In the face of significant challenges in the industry, we must ensure that our tourism dollar is being well spent. Labor announced that it would undertake a full review of the operations and legislation of the Canberra Tourism and Events Corporation within the context of a full examination of the tourism industry in the ACT. This will be done in consultation with the tourism industry with a view to ensuring that our tourism body has appropriate resources and the full confidence of the community and all of the tourism operators.

Mr Speaker, the health of our population is one of the most important areas in which a government can effect change. It is not just about hospitals, however. The contribution of sport and recreation programs is essential in preventing ill-health. I would like now to highlight the government's immediate priorities for sport and recreation.

The highest priority needs to be the promotion of physical activity. While the ACT can claim the highest overall rate of participation in physical activity in the nation, at 65 per cent, a focus urgently needs to be given to the participation levels of females-7 per cent lower than males-and older persons. As part of the ongoing community-wide promotion program, stronger links will be forged between community sports clubs and senior and aged care facilities to encourage continued participation in physical activity.

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