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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2003 Week 8 Hansard (20 August) . . Page.. 2927 ..

MR WOOD (continuing):

face a significant crisis with water usage. There is no question about that. The people responsible for running our parks, CUPP, are examining all options. They are looking at how they may share the loads and reduce water usage by the amount required, but effectively maintain the best possible surfaces on those grounds in the circumstances.

It is not going to be easy and there will be some detriment to playing fields, there is no question about that. We may put more water on prime playing fields to protect those first quality fields. I think that is essential. Some playing fields may get no water at all. That will not have a good effect on those surfaces and there will be problems for those who play on those surfaces.

As yet, I cannot tell you exactly what the outcome will be because we are working extensively on it but, Mr Stefaniak, I cannot guarantee as you seek.

MR STEFANIAK: I thank the minister for that answer. Minister, I accept that you cannot guarantee that. Will you then commit the government to restoring each and every oval that dies as a result of that policy or will you look at actually flogging off the land for development, with the funds going into consolidated revenue?

Mr Corbell: That was your plan. Remember that one?

Mr Stefaniak: That was yours.

Mr Corbell: Building on all the ovals-you remember that one now.

Mr Stefaniak: I remember your comments.

Mr Corbell: That came shortly after you wanted to sell all the pools.

MR WOOD: I think Mr Corbell has accurately answered the question for me. I think it was a pretty dumb supplementary to ask, really. Let's leave it at that.

Stamp duty

MS MacDONALD: My question is to the Treasurer. Mr Quinlan, could you advise the Assembly of the government's policy with respect to stamp duty? Are you aware of any other approaches regarding this issue?

MR QUINLAN: Yes, I am. This question requires some national context. Recently, we heard the Prime Minister suggest that the cost of housing has been driven by state charged stamp duty, a sentiment echoed by his very loyal deputy, the long-serving Peter Costello, God bless him.

This is part of the John Howard dumbing-down of Australian politics. He occasionally throws the odd grenade into the public forum, particularly when the pressure is on. We have had, "Schools should remain open until 5.00 to save on the after-school care."It just so happens that Commonwealth responsibility is after-school care and the states are responsible for schools.

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