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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2004 Week 05 Hansard (Tuesday, 25 May 2004) . . Page.. 2142 ..

government is another denial of the rights and the expectations of the people of Gungahlin. The government went to the last election promising these people a four-lane road, but what we are agreeing to today is two-lane road. That is a complete denial and a complete betrayal of the people of Gungahlin.

In conclusion, I note that the opposition will proceed on another date with its Projects of Territory Significance Bill. We will do that on the assumption that the Gungahlin Drive Extension Authorisation Bill passes today, and we do not need to rush it through as another emergency measure. We recognise that such measures, which are intended to have an effect into the future, need careful consideration. I think the Assembly needs the time to do that. So we will not be muddying the waters. Today we will be delivering for the people of Gungahlin.

MRS CROSS (10.47): All that has to be said has already been said. I have been on the record since entering this Assembly as being in support of the Gungahlin Drive extension. The residents of Gungahlin deserve the same easy access to the rest of Canberra as those residents from Belconnen, Tuggeranong, Woden and the rest of Canberra have. Gungahlin residents need that road. They deserve that road. Why should they be treated as second-class citizens? It is disappointing that we need this special sitting. It is disappointing this could not have been sorted out and finalised during the last sitting week. If it was not for a petty argument over which party got its legislation through with its name on the bill we would not be here and the building of the road would have already commenced. Keep in mind that this delay is costing taxpayers almost $30,000 a week.

As I have said, I am supportive of the Gungahlin Drive extension and will therefore be supporting the government’s bill today with my amendment. Whilst I am aware that there is a considerable and well-organised opposition to this position, I must do what I believe is best for the wider community, and I believe the building of this road is best for the wider community. I understand the reasons for the opposition. I understand that it should not be a regular habit for the elected government and other representatives of this place to take away the rights of appeal for its citizens.

However, there comes a time in governance to make a decision. That time is now for the Gungahlin Drive extension. The government is elected to make these decisions and should be able to make them. Whilst it is regrettable that the appeal rights have been taken away in this instance, it is necessary for the sake of the public interest, and there is no doubt in my mind that the building of the Gungahlin Drive extension is in the public interest of Canberra and its citizens.

As I said, I will be supporting this bill with my amendment to clause 9 (9) to allow for a disallowable instrument, which will make the minister accountable to the members of the Assembly—those who have been elected to represent the people of the ACT. I will be supporting these actions for this road to be built. I hope this will not be viewed by this or future governments as a precedent for the future curtailment of rights. I am supporting this bill for the simple reason that I want to see the road built for the people who need it.

MS DUNDAS (10.50): The ACT Democrats will not be supporting this bill. It seems clear to us that the object of this bill is to deny access to justice, to allow governments to ignore the law, to increase the power of the executive and to reduce the transparency,

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