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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2003 Week 14 Hansard (10 December) . . Page.. 5131 ..

MR HARGREAVES (continuing):

accommodation for community groups. The deed of agreement between the government and the QIC requires the Griffin Centre to be constructed as the first stage of the development of section 56.

The government has a commitment to the Griffin Centre and to its tenants to provide the new centre as part of stage one. Construction is currently scheduled to commence in April or May 2004, and building work will be completed in February 2005. The department continues to work with the Griffin Centre board, the QIC and its architects on tenant accommodation issues. I refer to paragraph (4) of the motion that has been moved. If the design and construction process is delayed there will be a substantial impact on the rest of the development and a consequent detrimental impact for a longer period than is necessary on those using Civic.

I emphasise the fact that there will be a severe impact on everyone if this project is delayed. Given the government's commitment to provide office space for existing tenants, any delay would contravene the government's commitment to work with community groups in the management of community space. The government will not act in a paternalistic and imperious manner when dealing with its community partners. The lease arrangements for the Griffin Centre require that the board manage the allocation and maintenance of tenancies within the facility.

The department and the board of the Griffin Centre have undertaken substantial consultation. I am advised that agreement has been reached with the board, the department and the QIC in relation to the building core and the general layout of spaces within the facility. The space that is available in the new facility will be 350 square metres or more than the space that is available in existing premises. The board is currently determining the best configuration of tenants for the new facilities. I am aware that the board has had a number of briefing sessions with existing tenants. The board continues to work with tenants and with the department to determine which spaces they will be able to occupy in the new facility.

In the normal construction process, final designs are approved and building management decided on the subsequent internal allocation of space for tenants. The government firmly believes that it will be able to obtain approval for the final design from ACTPLA early in the new year without compromising its commitment to existing tenants. The government remains committed to ensuring that all tenants will be offered space in the new building. The department will continue to work with all interested parties to ensure that mutually satisfying outcomes are achieved.

I refer to an issue that the minister mentioned earlier. Paragraph (3) of the motion makes reference to CAHMA, the free food program, WIREDD and Directions. As those organisations are already housed in the existing Griffin Centre they will be accommodated in the new centre.

I refer also to the amendments moved earlier by Mrs Dunne. The first amendment was moved primarily because Mrs Dunne is attempting to avoid accepting some of the responsibility for the delay so far. I do not understand Mrs Dunne's third amendment; it does not make any sense at all. Mrs Dunne said earlier that she would not do anything to hold up the construction of the building.

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