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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2002 Week 8 Hansard (26 June) . . Page.. 2243 ..

MR HARGREAVES (continuing):

Mr Speaker, I want to just address some of the movements in services and facilities which have occurred in the electorate of Brindabella over the past eight months. It is important to note the significance of the result for the Stanhope government in the electorate of Brindabella at the 2001 Legislative Assembly election. It is against this backdrop that we need to consider the content of the motion.

The ALP vote in Brindabella is the highest any party has achieved in the history of self-government in the ACT. At 43.97 per cent, it easily exceeds the 42.85 per cent the Liberals achieved in Molonglo in 1995 in the heyday of Mrs Bruce Stadium herself. It is the first time in the history of self-government in the ACT that an electorate has returned a majority of seats to a party. It also represented a massive swing to the ALP of 15.5 per cent from the 1998 result.

Ms Tucker: You just lost a lot then, mate.

MR HARGREAVES: I have to say, Ms Tucker, that I am happy to laugh along with other people. I didn't hear what you said either but the look on your face is worth a laugh. Mr Speaker, the Liberal vote in Brindabella in 2001-

MR SPEAKER: Mr Hargreaves, the air may be thick with sharpened barbs but it is disorderly to respond to them.

MR HARGREAVES: They are little love arrows, Mr Speaker. The Liberal vote in Brindabella in 2001 was only 31.86 per cent-31.86 per cent against 43.97 per cent; a great achievement to the Liberals!

Mr Speaker, this government has delivered on its promises to the people of Brindabella. The government has expressed its determination to deliver on the promises it made during last year's election campaign. Labor went to the election last October with a program that was clearly spelt out and fully costed. I know this is prickling the Deputy Leader of the Opposition but you can't help bad luck. Canberrans knew what they were voting for and now Labor is delivering on that program. We have been in government for just over eight months and the record shows that we are well advanced in putting our commitments in place.

Mr Speaker, education is a key priority for the government. We have honoured our commitment to provide an extra $27 million in education funding over the next four years. You will remember, Mr Speaker, pushing this very hard and very long within the caucus and it must give you some pleasure to see it manifested in the budget documents.

Mr Wood: He is impartial.

MR HARGREAVES: Indeed. He is now, but he was not then. As the minister, Mr Corbell has said, "Investment in education is the best means of securing jobs for our children and ensuring a solid future for the ACT."

The government's priorities in education include reducing class sizes, IT development, increased support for students at risk and support for indigenous students. Brindabella schools will benefit immediately from this government's proactive investment in the fabric of the schools environment. Specific initiatives include: reduction in year 3 class

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