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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2002 Week 14 Hansard (11 December) . . Page.. 4249 ..

MR WOOD: Mr Speaker, clearly they are not here, are they? This matter is under continuing discussion. Mr Cornwell, you said this would result in better outcomes. Yes, we do want better outcomes, but we want those outcomes to be based on equity and consideration to those most in need. That is very much part of what we are thinking about.

At the same time, a review of the concessions program is being undertaken by the Chief Minister's Department. That is nearing completion-it is due about this time. We will be taking that into account in our broad understanding. Negotiations are continuing on the Commonwealth's offer-at that level. We are still considering that, but we have not yet signed on to it. We will find difficulty in signing on to it if it gives a disproportionate amount to people who have a lesser need than others in the community.

MR CORNWELL: I have a supplementary question. When might we expect these details, Minister? Just a moment. I have not finished. Sit down-behave yourself. When might we expect a decision by your government upon a motion supported by this Assembly for social and financial justice for 5,000 low income self-funded retirees? We always made that point very clear. When might we expect these details and a decision from your government, in the interests of equity?

MR WOOD: When the matters have been thoroughly examined, Mr Cornwell, and the needs of all in our community have been taken into account in this process. That is not at this minute.

Land-rezoning

MS TUCKER: My question is to the Minister for Planning. Minister, your recent announcement of the rezoning of the Hungarian-Australian Club site in Narrabundah to residential is apparently based on your assertion that all other options have been exhausted. You have stated that redevelopment is the only way of preventing the site from becoming derelict, because the Hungarian-Australian Club could no longer continue on the site; that there has been no serious interest by other groups shown in purchasing the current lease, and that the land could not be resumed by government.

In light of this decision, and recent comments made by you on ABC radio's morning program, could you please table the following documents in the Assembly by close of business tomorrow night: Legal and/or planning advice relating to the ACT government's inability to resume the Hungarian-Australian Club site, and any caveat lodged on the Hungarian-Australian Club concessional lease.

MR CORBELL: Mr Speaker, I will take the question on notice and advise Ms Tucker of my response to that later today.

MS TUCKER: I have a supplementary question. If the government is unable to resume the land, why did it fail to support and encourage the negotiations being conducted between the Hungarian-Australian Club and another interested club which had indicated serious intent in taking on the current lease?

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