Page 150 - Week 01 - Wednesday, 12 February 2020
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
autumn and winter program of events that lies ahead of us, with significant funding, over $3.4 million, in destination and event marketing about to hit the market, some already in market. This will see very strong promotion of Canberra.
The one remaining issue that will impact on our biggest international market is the travel restrictions in place with China. Unfortunately, it is not within my power to end those restrictions, but I certainly hope that they can be lifted as soon as possible. That will have not just significant implications for our higher education sector but flow-on implications for our biggest international tourism market.
As soon as it is possible on public health grounds for those travel bans to be lifted, I urge the Australian government to do so, because there is no doubt that it is having a significant impact on higher education and tourism, not just here in Canberra but right across the nation. It is also having a significant social impact on the Chinese Australian community. In particular, I note that there have been—not so much in Canberra but in other parts of Australia—some concerns about quite explicit racism in relation to the coronavirus. That is incredibly unfortunate. The virus does not discriminate and nor should people.
It is my hope that we can see those travel restrictions lifted as soon as possible. That will ensure not only that the thousands of Chinese students who are scheduled to study here in Canberra can arrive and commence their studies but that the tens of thousands of Chinese tourists who come to our city each year will be allowed to travel to Australia. As soon as it is safe to do so, I urge the Australian government to lift that travel ban. It will be very important for this region’s economic recovery. I think it is very important for the Chinese Australian community to know that they have the full support of the ACT government at this time. I wish for this situation to be dealt with as quickly as possible and that travel can resume in a normal way as soon as possible.
I commend my amendment to the Assembly.
Debate interrupted in accordance with standing order 74 and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for a later hour.
Sitting suspended from 12.06 to 2.00 pm.
Questions without notice
ACT Health—SPIRE project
MR COE: My question is to the Minister for Health. In 2016 the Chief Minister said that SPIRE would be delivered “in around 2022”. The latest projected delivery date is looking like 2024. Minister, what is causing the delays to the SPIRE project being completed?
MS STEPHEN-SMITH: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question. As members would be aware, in May 2019 the government announced that preparatory site works for SPIRE would get underway, with decanting and site works commencing this year, and with construction set for completion in 2023-24. This remains the case and the project is not delayed.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video