Page 2891 - Week 08 - Wednesday, 14 August 2019
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construction. Although the Canberra Metro consortium were responsible for this part of the project, when I asked about a different certifier being enlisted to finalise the project, you mentioned that the matter was in relation to SEEG’s “capacity to deliver certification on the project”. Minister, why did the Canberra Metro consortium appoint SEEG to provide certification if certification of the project was outside their capacity to deliver?
MR STEEL: Given that the member has asked about Capital Metro, I am very happy to take that on notice and provide some details, rather than speaking on their behalf here today.
MISS C BURCH: Minister, did the government become aware that SEEG had been replaced before or after they announced they would not sign off on the project?
MR STEEL: Again, I am happy to take the question on notice and provide as much detail as I can.
MRS JONES: Minister, when did the government become aware that SEEG lacked the capacity to deliver certification on the project?
MR STEEL: As Mrs Jones will appreciate, I was not the minister at the time. It is a very specific question. I am happy to come back with the specifics on notice.
Arts—government investment
MS CHEYNE: My question is to the Minister for the Arts and Cultural Events. Can the minister please update the Assembly on the ACT government’s investment in arts and artists in the territory through the latest round of arts activities grants?
MR RAMSAY: I thank Ms Cheyne for the question and for her dedicated history in matters of the arts in the ACT. I was please in May to announce the outcomes of the latest round of arts activities funding for the ACT and the region. Fifteen recipients will share over $300,000 to create works in a variety of genres and disciplines, including visual arts, literature, music, theatre and dance. This brings the number of arts activities funding recipients in 2018-19 to 31. Combined with the 59 successful applicants for our smaller grants category of under $5,000 and our six screen arts grants, that means that we have expended over $911,000 in arts grants in 2018-19, which is well above our annual commitment of a minimum of $775,000, and we have funded a total of 96 artists for their work in the past year.
The arts are integral to Canberra’s social fabric and economic development. Art strengthens our community and is an essential part of our identity as a vibrant, culturally rich and diverse city. Through this year’s project funding, all Canberrans will benefit from opportunities to experience and engage with local arts and artists. I can advise the Assembly that there is a full list of the project funding recipients on the artsACT website.
MS CHEYNE: Can the minister advise what further investment in the arts in the ACT is in our budget for this year?
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