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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2002 Week 8 Hansard (26 June) . . Page.. 2257 ..

MR STANHOPE: These are interesting, good, parish-pump issues for a local member, particularly one in opposition, to concentrate on in this context, Bill, but they are very short-sighted-these questions around what did you do and what are you providing. Let me tell you now the most important and fundamental thing that we are providing for the people of Charnwood, and particularly the kids of Charnwood. We are providing them with the best education system in Australia. If there is one thing demanded of a government in relation to its responsibility to its community and to its children, it is to provide to every child equality of opportunity in relation to education, so that they have the capacity to take their place in society, in the community, and to achieve whatever their dreams and aspirations may be-and that's what we're doing.

They did not want a free bus out there, Bill. They wanted a really good school. They didn't want your free bus scheme, Bill. They wanted the best possible education for their kids. That's why they rejected it. That's why they voted against you. That's why you got 21/2 votes out there, Bill-because you did not look at the fundamentals; you didn't provide them the best possible education. And that's what they're looking for. It is the greatest gift that a government can give to its community, and particularly to its children-the capacity to participate in an education system which ensures equality of opportunity at the end of the day. And that's what we're doing.

We are not just providing an extra $27 million, but an extra $27 million on top of growth. You really should blush, Bill, as the last Minister for Education, in relation to what this government has been able to achieve. I wonder, Bill, did you argue in cabinet against that free bus scheme? Did you stand up as Minister for Education and say, "Look, this is tawdry, cheap and nasty; let's put this money into education"? Did you fight for it, Bill-or did you roll over?

Mr Humphries: Mr Speaker, I raise a point of order. I love to hear the Chief Minister on free school buses but the question was about a skateboard park and about tennis courts. Can we have an answer on that subject?

MR SPEAKER: I think the question has been answered.

MR STANHOPE: I will conclude on this one point. I think it was Mr Stefaniak or at least it was an interjection in relation to both a skateboard park and the so-called promised tennis courts. I have seen references to the promised tennis courts, I think perhaps a press release.

Mr Stefaniak: No, the money is there for those, and I'll take your Treasurer through it if he can't understand it.

MR STANHOPE: It is not, Bill. No, we've got Gunna Gary here, Bill. This is your gunna. Where is the money, mate?

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