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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2002 Week 12 Hansard (13 November) . . Page.. 3525 ..

MRS DUNNE (continuing):

Airport as "our own local version of Bob Jelly"and said that the "airport had got far too big for its boots".

In light of the comments you made yesterday, Chief Minister, have you at any stage censured Mr Hargreaves for his remarks? Can you assure this place and the management of Canberra International Airport that Mr Hargreaves' views are not the views of the government?

MR STANHOPE: Thank you, Mrs Dunne. Yes, and I would like to repeat my congratulations to Canberra airport for winning this prestigious award. It is a great credit to Canberra International Airport that they have been able to take off a national award such as the Australian major airport of the year. It is tremendous recognition for Canberra airport and a fantastic recognition for Terry Snow-of his drive, his vision and the effort, energy and resources that he has applied to developing the airport. I offer him and the airport my full congratulations.

Each of us who has used the airport over recent years has noticed and applauded dramatic changes in the amenity. Canberra airport is fundamental to the success and the growth of Canberra and the capital region. It is one of the most important attributes that we, as a city in a region, have, and this government will always give its full support.

Mr Hargreaves raised the issue of the development of Brindabella Business Park, which is a quite separate issue from the award Canberra airport achieved as Australia's major airport of the year. There is a genuine debate that should be had about the orderly planning of Canberra and the region.

We see that even now in the disputation between Canberra airport and Tralee. Has the Liberal Party come out yet and damned Tralee as something that shouldn't go ahead? How equivocal have you been in your statements about Tralee? Have you come out yet on Tralee, Mrs Dunne,? What is your position on Tralee? Are you going to bag it unequivocally?

Mr Smyth: On a point of order, Mr Speaker.

MR STANHOPE: Are you going to make representations to the New South Wales government? Are you going to suggest that it shouldn't go ahead?

MR SPEAKER: Order, Chief Minister! Mr Smyth has a point of order.

Mr Smyth: My point of order relates to the standing order on relevance. The question was about Mr Hargreaves and his position and whether the Chief Minister had admonished him. The Chief Minister should address the question.

MR SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr Smyth. I am sure the Chief Minister is coming to that point.

MR STANHOPE: I am. Quite clearly, I am. Everything I have said is relevant to the issues that have been raised about Canberra airport and planning. That is what the question is about. The Australian major airport of the year is a significant award, which Canberra airport has achieved, and I congratulate them unhesitatingly.

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