Page 901 - Week 03 - Wednesday, 27 February 2013

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community cynically believe some ovals will never be restored with the government moving to have their status changed to allow other options for those grounds. Time will tell if their fears are realised.

Revenue from junior sport fees is like small bickies for the government. What Mr Barr does not seem to understand is that those small bickies add up to a lot of money for clubs that have thousands of kids and that have set registration fees some months ago only to be told now, a couple of weeks out from the start of the competition, that they have a 54 per cent increase to consider. These small bickies for the government are very big imposts for the clubs.

Of even more concern is the total lack of consultation. We are being told one thing by the department while the minister is telling us he has not signed off on it, so there is obviously a mutiny in the department. That is all I can put it down to. Mutinies can be put down in several ways. Mr Barr, we look forward to seeing how you are going to handle this.

No consultation, no review, no appeal. We believe the motion we have put is reasonable and ought to be supported. We do not accept the government’s amendment. I am disappointed Mr Rattenbury has not seen fit to support the motion. I do not know how he feels about this issue we have with the minister saying, “Yes, I haven’t signed off on anything,” but the clubs are saying they have to pay a 54 per cent increase. We believe the motion is reasonable and ought to be supported. To do otherwise would demonstrate a cynical disregard for Canberra families and community sport.

Question put:

That Mr Barr’s amendment be agreed to.

The Assembly voted—

Ayes 9

Noes 8

Mr Barr

Ms Gallagher

Mr Coe

Mr Seselja

Ms Berry

Mr Gentleman

Mr Doszpot

Mr Smyth

Dr Bourke

Ms Porter

Mrs Dunne

Mr Wall

Ms Burch

Mr Rattenbury

Mr Hanson

Mr Corbell

Mrs Jones

Question so resolved in the affirmative.

Motion, as amended, agreed to.

Adjournment

Motion (by Mr Barr) proposed:

That the Assembly do now adjourn.

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