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

Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2004 Week 06 Hansard (Wednesday, 23 June 2004) . . Page.. 2494 ..

Similar work to that which I have described for the defence industry is occurring in all those industries now. We are supporting, in any way we can, the development of these industries in Canberra through national and international partnerships and direct support through the knowledge fund and other programs, ensuring that as many Canberra businesses as possible are open to the opportunities as they arise.

To do this, government has in place a wide range of initiatives designed to enhance and support business in the ACT, including:

• $14.4 million in program support for ACT businesses announced in the 2004-05 budget—over the knowledge fund, the export growth program, the business employment-ready program, the business acceleration program, the industry capability network and a proposed new mentoring program for technology based industries;

• a record increase of $28.2 million for tourism promotion and marketing over the next four years;

• $10 million to support the Canberra-centric commercialisation fund, as a base for that fund;

• $9.5 million for VET places to support the demands for apprenticeships and traineeships;

• in the area of government procurement, replacement of the Canberra Regional Industry Plan—CRIP—process with a new pre-tender consultation process for local industry;

• a record $330 million in the capital works program; and

• sound economic management.

The government has also made a substantial investment in NICTA, a project that we believe will become the focus for innovative ICT development and commercialisation in the ACT. As I said, we will be working hard over the next few months leading up to the election to acquaint the electorate with the difference between substance and glib, thin, painted policy.

Bushfires—briefings

MR PRATT: My question is to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Mr Wood. Minister, in response to a question from me yesterday, you advised the Assembly that:

…in all that period, from the day after the fires were ignited until, of course, that fateful Saturday, I went across to the Emergency Services Bureau every morning and listened to all the briefings and had conversations and briefings in between times from various people, including Mike Castle.

Minister, did you participate in the twice-daily planning meetings held at the Emergency Services Bureau in that period each morning and afternoon? When you were not at the ESB, how were you briefed about significant developments in the bushfires and what were you told?

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