Page 2638 - Week 07 - Tuesday, 5 June 2012
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I urge the Assembly not to exacerbate the division in the arts community that this issue has caused. The government has made a decision to accommodate Megalo at the Fitters Workshop, and it reaffirms that decision today. People have had their say. Their views have been carefully considered. It is now time to get on with the job. It is time to end the disruption to Megalo print studio and to help the government get on with delivering for the Canberra’s arts community.
I want to thank all those involved in this inquiry. To those who have put submissions in and those that came before the inquiry, please be assured that I have considered all of the information and submissions with regard and respect. However, the government stands by its decision to relocate Megalo to the Fitters Workshop.
MS LE COUTEUR (Molonglo) (3.44): As I have only just received this report, I will only speak briefly on it, basically to say I am really disappointed. The education committee did an excellent job in looking at the Fitters Workshop. I note Ms Burch made adverse comments about consultation. I point out to Ms Burch that that was not part of their terms of reference. Their terms of reference were quite clear about what they were to look at—options for alternative venues, options for alternative purpose-built accommodation for Megalo and any other relevant matter. It was not a witch-hunt in any fashion. I think that that was a silly comment.
It is very disappointing for anyone involved in public life and community involvement to have the situation where a considerable inquiry comes to what appeared to me to be a very reasoned conclusion and for the government not to take it up. It is disappointing from the point of view of the community thinking how they can best make an impact on the government if things like this do not make an impact.
Clearly I disagree with the government’s conclusions. I think what the inquiry said around the general development of the arts precinct was very clear and correct—having Megalo in the precinct but not specifically in that building. Some very exciting, positive options were put forward from a planning point of view and also from an artistic point of view. I regret that it seems these will not occur.
Another of the things I regret very much is the angst this has caused to the arts community in the ACT. It is not a large community; it is not a well-funded community. It is very unfortunate this has happened. It is particularly unfortunate that the music community will feel unloved as a result of this, particularly given the ongoing developments, or lack of developments, with the School of Music. I very much regret the government’s response.
MR HANSON (Molonglo) (3.47): As a member of the committee, I would like to briefly respond to the comments Ms Burch has made and also to comment on the government’s response. I must say I am not surprised, but I am disappointed. I think the opportunity for a multi-use facility at the Fitters Workshop was, by the end of the committee inquiry, the self-evident best way forward. I came to that committee inquiry with very little knowledge of the subject and listened to the evidence—the arguments which were put forward by both sides—and it became very clear to me visiting the facility, talking to the experts, that this was the best way forward. I note in
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