Page 561 - Week 02 - Thursday, 9 March 2006
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collaborative effort between the government and the Hindmarsh Group. The ACT Government Industry Office in Washington is in collaboration with CEA Technologies. These partnerships provide short-term accommodation and support ACT firms looking to break into the US and Chinese markets.
The white paper has been instrumental in establishing a policy framework focused on building firms and providing the right environment for them to unleash their potential. It is an appropriate policy framework for the circumstances and opportunities we face, yet adaptable and agile enough to deal with the change and challenges that lie ahead.
The government is very proud of the contribution it has made to the development of the private sector since coming to office in 2001. I think a lot of people in the private sector would, perhaps begrudgingly, recognise the contribution of the Labor government and the way we have gone about our business with business. I think it is fair to say that at first blush the business sector would not be looked upon as the natural habitat of the Labor Party. Nevertheless, I have to say that I have enjoyed the very strong relationships that the government has built over time with the business sector.
We have been attentive and proactive. We have been responsive and consistent and, dare I say, appropriately visionary, when required. Canberra as a national capital will always depend on the commonwealth for much of its economic activity. What has emerged is a growing and innovative enterprise sector. With the government, the ACT business sector has driven this innovative enterprise sector at local, national and international levels. Canberra has emerged as a vibrant city in a vibrant region with an exciting private sector driven future. I am honoured to have had the opportunity to play a part in that progress. I will watch keenly from a new perspective the progress as it further unfolds. I present the following paper:
Economic white paper implementation—ministerial statement, 9 March 2006.
I move:
That the Assembly take note of the paper.
Debate (on motion by Mr Smyth) adjourned to the next sitting.
Canberra’s urban infrastructure
Discussion of matter of public importance
MR SPEAKER: I have received letters from Dr Foskey, Mr Gentleman, Ms MacDonald and Mr Pratt proposing that matters of public importance be submitted to the Assembly. In accordance with standing order 79, I have determined that the matter proposed by Mr Pratt be submitted to the Assembly, namely:
The state of Canberra’s urban infrastructure and the look of the city.
MR PRATT (Brindabella) (3.33): Mr Speaker, I raise this important topic in the Assembly today because we have a government that seems not to take seriously the growing number of concerns about the ageing condition of much of Canberra’s urban infrastructure and the deterioration in recent years of the general look of the city.
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