Page 1932 - Week 07 - Tuesday, 14 May 2013
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
MR CORBELL: It is a planning matter. I will take that question. The issue of net selling area is addressed in recent draft variations to the territory plan that I have released dealing with planning controls for commercial zones, including local centres. In relation to the definition of “net selling area”, the definition is set out I believe clearly in the draft variation. However, I note that a number of stakeholders are raising questions about the definition through the consultation process that is now underway for that draft variation.
The government is looking closely at the comments made by stakeholders during the consultation process. At the conclusion of that consultation process, the ACT Planning and Land Authority will prepare a report to me on issues raised in that consultation. I anticipate that the issues around net selling area raised by stakeholders will be addressed in that consultation report. The government will conclude whether any adjustments need to be made to the draft variation prior to the matter either being referred to the planning committee of this place or alternatively for the government and me as the minister to make a decision on the variation.
But at this point in time, I think it is pre-emptive to get into a definitive discussion about what will be the outcome. We are in the middle of a consultation process. The issue that is being raised is the issue of net selling area and its definition. We will take those comments into account as we move through the consultation process on the draft variation.
MADAM SPEAKER: Supplementary question, Mr Smyth.
MR SMYTH: Minister, as Minister for Economic Development, what influence did your directorate and the former supermarket policy have on DV304?
MR BARR: All draft variations go through a cabinet process, and all agencies are involved in providing input into that process.
Economy—trade missions
MR SMYTH: My question is to the Minister for Economic Development and it relates to trade missions undertaken by the government. Minister, in an answer to a question taken on notice, question No 61, the government stated:
It is not possible to measure in any meaningful way the outcomes from an individual mission.
Minister, if there are no meaningful outcomes for the territory, what steps will the government take to restructure its trade missions program so that it does yield meaningful outcomes for the territory and for local businesses?
MR BARR: There would be a variety of ways that one could report upon trade missions. I thought I gave quite an extensive report this morning. I have taken a number of questions in relation to those trade missions. They are not secret. The companies that are involved publicise their involvement.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video