Page 1952 - Week 05 - Thursday, 3 May 2012
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DR BOURKE: I thank the member for his question. This was an important process that required a thorough consideration. I understand that less than $60,000 has been expended. These matters are commercial in confidence, and I do not propose to table it.
MRS DUNNE: A supplementary question, Mr Speaker.
MR SPEAKER: Yes, Mrs Dunne.
MRS DUNNE: Minister, can you remember whether or not you had met with Professor Bradley to discuss the UC-CIT merger and, if so, when did you meet with her?
DR BOURKE: This is a question that has been previously asked. At that time the tag line that was included with it was that officials from my directorate also met with Professor Bradley. At that time I took that question on notice because, whilst I am aware of who I have met, I may not necessarily be aware of who members of my directorate have met.
Opposition members interjecting—
DR BOURKE: I need to get to the question, of course, and the answer is, no, I have not met with Professor Bradley.
MR SPEAKER: Ms Hunter, a supplementary question.
MS HUNTER: Minister, you have just said that these game-changing events have happened since August last year. So why did you put out a media release in December of last year saying that the ACT government was going to be setting up a third institution?
DR BOURKE: The UCIT announcement last year was the recommendation of the steering group that was established to consider the Bradley report. Since then there have been, as I said, a range of announcements. The future is important.
We should also reflect on the Greens policy on this topic. As recently as 28 March this year the Greens stated unequivocally that on the topic of further University of Canberra and CIT collaboration—I quote Ms Hunter:
I understand that these other processes have come over the top with COAG, with the federal government—
Ms Hunter: Point of order.
MR SPEAKER: Order! One moment, Dr Bourke. Point of order, Ms Hunter.
Ms Hunter: My question was actually asking the minister, given he is saying these game-changing events have happened since August last year, why he put out a media
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