Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .

Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2002 Week 5 Hansard (9 May) . . Page.. 1499 ..

Canberra Museum and Gallery

(Question No 149)

Mr Cornwell asked the Minister for the Arts, upon notice:

In relation to the Canberra Museum and Gallery:

1. When and how were the windows facing London Circuit smashed and how have they been temporarily secured.

2. When will they be repaired.

3. Why were they not repaired immediately.

4. Will they be repaired using security film similar to that put on the Assembly's ground floor windows after they were smashed with a hammer.

5. Will they be replaced by similar windows to those which were smashed, ie plain greypainted ones.

6. Has thought been given to creating secure showcase windows along the London Circuit frontage to promote the Museum and Gallery and entice people inside; if not, why not; if so, why was it decided against.

Mr Wood: The answer to the member's question is as follows:

1. The three windows on London Circuit side of the Canberra Museum and Gallery were damaged on three separate occasions, 20 January, 29 January and 6 February 2002. Totalcare secured them with plywood sheeting. The Police who attended suggested that someone caused the damage with a high-powered slingshot driving by in a car.

2. They have now been repaired.

3. The repairs were not able to be carried out immediately because a coating of paint matching that of the existing windows needed to be applied by means of a special process carried out by a Melbourne company.

4. Security film was not applied as part of the repair. However, the building managers, Totalcare, have advised that these windows are toughened glass and no further protection is required.

5. The smashed windows have been replaced with windows matching the original plain grey colour.

6. Yes, and this is still under active consideration however the cost of such a project would be considerable, as the gallery space directly on the other side of the windows would require major reconfiguring as part of such a project.

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .