Page 3863 - Week 12 - Wednesday, 19 October 2005
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children in the design of logos—something I have always felt they do amazingly successfully. I am looking forward very much to the response to that.
I should just add that, at this stage as we develop a range of partnerships throughout the community in relation to the celebration, there has been fantastic support in terms of media sponsorship from ActewAGL and TransACT, and from every one of our media organisations, whether print or electronic, within the ACT. I have to say that the level of initial support, and continuing support that we expect, from the newspapers and from radio and television stations has been exemplary, and just what we were looking for to ensure that this is a successful event.
It is interesting, as we ponder how we might celebrate the centenary, to look at and share the experiences of other cities around the world. We have already had some discussions with Alberta. Of other significant cities around the world, this is the one that we are aware of that most recently celebrated its centenary, in September of this year. That has just concluded. Alberta planned for its centenary celebration for just on nine years. We have begun detailed planning for the Canberra centenary just on seven years out from the celebration; Alberta planned for nine. There was a view that perhaps that was a little long, but they put together a very significant and detailed program of events. At the end of the year they had celebrated on 900 separate occasions 900 separate events, which made up the totality of the year of celebration.
At this stage we are still thinking. Anything is possible. If we all put our minds together, we can end up with an absolutely fantastic celebration and something that will bring the focus of the world onto Canberra and indeed onto all Australians. It will perhaps be an opportunity to change some of the perceptions of Canberra and change our reputation and standing forever and a day.
I ask that all further questions be placed on the notice paper.
Supplementary answers to questions without notice
Land valuations
MR QUINLAN: During question time, Mr Mulcahy asked me about the valuation process used by the AVO and whether it matched international standards. A quick advice—and we will double check it of course—according to the AVO is that there is no international standard. I do not know where that comes from. I would be happy to be informed on what the basis of the question was. I am advised that the approach taken accords with long-established valuation principles; is applied as rating methodology throughout Australia; is endorsed by the Australian Property Institute; and is accepted by courts such as and including the ACT Administrative Appeals Tribunal. If that is sufficient information, I will leave it at that.
As a point of clarification, while I am on my feet: I mentioned a bundle of correspondence. I have just looked through it. What I have got here is one letter from a resident in Campbell relating to valuation, one letter from a woman in Red Hill concerned about level of rating but not about valuation, one letter not concerned about rates but about a discount scheme—these are from Mr Mulcahy—and one letter with no names and no constituents mentioned. As I said, it is a bundle of, seemingly, valuations from what looks like a real estate agent looking for work.
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