Page 5441 - Week 13 - Tuesday, 16 November 2010
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decision-making process. Both the shadow minister and yourself will be briefed on behalf of your respective parties on Thursday morning.
MS PORTER: Supplementary question, Mr Speaker?
MR SPEAKER: Yes, Ms Porter.
MS PORTER: Thank you. Minister, is the amount of money that is being committed any different from that being considered in the Capital Football’s A league campaign?
MR BARR: Members would be aware—I know a number were signed-up supporters of the A league or Canberra bid and the government did commit to putting $2½ million on the table for that particular bid to see that club be established as part of an expansion of the A league competition. Unfortunately, the Football Federation Australia determined not to take up the Canberra bid, in spite of the very considerable foundation membership and other business and community partnerships that were established as part of that particular bid process. To the credit of ACT 4 GWS, they did achieve their targets of 5,000 members and their business and community involvement targets.
I do note that in this chamber only in the last sitting there was a matter of public importance moved where all members appeared to express their very strong support for this particular partnership, and I am pleased to see that that strong support has continued post the announcement of the detail, and I look forward to all members of the Assembly welcoming this wonderful new addition to the Canberra sporting landscape when they play their first matches at Manuka Oval in 2012.
MR SPEAKER: A supplementary, Mr Doszpot?
MR DOSZPOT: Thank you, Mr Speaker. Minister, in the contract between the territory and GWS, what exit clause provisions have been included for both parties?
MR BARR: The formal contract has not been entered into at this point. That is a matter that will be determined in the middle of next year. We have signed heads of agreement and those heads of agreement include review provisions and also the capacity for parties to seek to exit from the arrangements. They are fairly standard legal requirements.
I must say, though, that it is disappointing that a week after signing into such agreement I am being asked questions like this. I think the AFL community would feel rightly disappointed, given the nature of comments that were made in this place only a few weeks ago. I do—
Members interjecting—
MR BARR: I will give the shadow minister the benefit of the doubt and recognise that he is just seeking due diligence in relation to these matters. We look forward to briefing him on Thursday.
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