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

Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2003 Week 1 Hansard (30 January) . . Page.. 7 ..

MR STANHOPE (continuing):

Mr Speaker, the recovery process is going to be a lengthy and difficult one. We have to rebuild not only homes but communities. It has already started. The ACT recovery centre has been in operation in Lyons since last Friday, providing a one-stop shop for people affected by the fires to help them rebuild their lives.

On Tuesday I announced the membership of the Canberra bushfire recovery task force, which will not only co-ordinate efforts to rebuild the destroyed homes, buildings and infrastructure but also provide advice on the planning and environmental aspects of the recovery and co-ordinate the government's ongoing services to the victims of the disaster. The task force is composed of Sandy Holloway, Rob de Castella, Terry Snow, Maureen Caine, Rob Tonkin and Alan Thompson-an exceptional group of people. I have every confidence in their ability to oversee the recovery process.

I will also be announcing tomorrow the composition of a community and expert reference group, which will inform the work of the task force. The reference group will be composed of leading Canberra citizens from across the board. That process will be long and difficult; however, I am confident that the remarkable community spirit that we have seen over the last couple of weeks will continue throughout the recovery.

Mr Speaker, the firestorm that hit Canberra on 18 January was a disaster of an unprecedented scale in the ACT, but that disaster was met by an equally incredible community response. Witnessing the outpouring of generosity and compassion, I have never been more proud as a Canberran.

Over the coming months, and possibly years, we will rebuild Canberra. But it will not simply be rebuilt; it will be improved. In the process, we as a community will ensure that those affected by the fires will receive the support they need as they rebuild their homes and rebuild their lives.

As part of the government's response to the bushfire disaster, a number of instruments were signed, including the declaration of a state of emergency, the appointment of a territory controller and alternate controller for managing the emergency, the assignment of functions and powers to the territory controller and alternate controller and a subsequent revocation instrument. These were appropriately notified at the time, and I now table these instruments for the information of members.

I also present a copy of the revised administrative arrangement orders. The orders were first revised at the end of 2002 to reflect changed ministerial responsibilities on the creation of a fifth ministry. I welcome that additional minister, Ms Katy Gallagher, on this the first occasion she is present on the front bench. Congratulations, Ms Gallagher.

On 23 January 2002, the orders were further revised, principally to establish the ACT bushfire recovery task force, under my responsibility as Chief Minister. Editorial amendments were also made in some respects. I present the following papers:

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