Page 3661 - Week 10 - Wednesday, 13 September 2017
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spring, and we certainly look forward to achieving new records in attendance across Floriade daytime, Floriade NightFest now over two weekends, and the new Floriade Fringe.
MR WALL (Brindabella) (4.22): Whilst I am pleased to speak to this motion today, I must say at the outset that it is certainly not a surprise to see this topic on the agenda for this week. In fact, when I saw the launch of the major events strategy earlier in the week, the cynic in me thought to myself, “No doubt this will prompt at least one self-congratulatory motion from the Labor backbench on this issue.” On the face of it, Mr Assistant Speaker—
Mrs Dunne: I thought the same thing, and we did not even talk about it.
MR WALL: No collusion on that one. On the face of it, though—
Mr Barr: Don’t resort to becoming an old cynic like Mrs Dunne, Andrew. You’ve still got time.
MR WALL: There is hope for you as well then, Andrew. On the face of it, Mr Assistant Speaker, the government has put together another glossy brochure that says all the right things. The strategy talks about creating the right environment with the right structure and the resources to make Canberra one of the premier event-friendly cities in Australia.
There is much reference in this new strategy to streamlining permits and licensing and to ensuring that government processes are easily understood by organisers. We might refer to question time to realise that not all organisers necessarily find this process simple. The document also talks about adopting a standard approach to major event considerations and refers to the opportunities that are possible in positioning Canberra as an attractive proposition to host major events that will in turn grow our tourism dollar.
The indication that private partnership agreements may be considered for future events is also cautiously welcomed by the Liberals. Mr Barr is talking about what is understood as quite a Liberal approach to conducting business events. I personally see this as a very positive approach so long as it is implemented appropriately.
I believe in Canberra’s potential as a vibrant and attractive host for major events. However, I see some missed opportunities and wasted energy on the part of the government currently when it comes to nurturing and supporting existing home-grown events and attractions. I was the chair of the estimates committee. We heard from MusicACT about their proposal and report that they put to government back in 2015 entitled Cool Little Capital. They are still awaiting a response from government. That report was presented to Mr Corbell.
When there is an unwillingness or an inability on the part of government to work with industry or grassroots organisations such as MusicACT to have a strategy that in this instance promotes live music, it leaves a lot missing on the greater events calendar and what adds to the substance backing up and supporting major events in the
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