Page 1335 - Week 04 - Thursday, 5 May 2022
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perhaps the Canberra Liberals having a vision for bulldozing the bush capital. I would like the Greens MLAs to reflect on their speeches as if the Ginninderry development was being brought up for discussion. I would like you to reflect on every word you just said as if the Ginninderry development was being presented in this Assembly for a feasibility study.
Mr Parton: There are no bulldozers there, are there?
MR CAIN: Maybe none were used, Mr Parton. Maybe there were no trees that had to be pulled over. The Murrumbidgee is there; it is right on the corridor. Consider your own words and say, “Would that make me feel like a hypocrite if this was about the Ginninderry development and a feasibility study into it?” Have a look at it. I think your words would have applied. It would have been “Shame!” to Minister Gentleman and “Shame!” to Minister Berry for not only going towards the Murrumbidgee corridor but also having the hide to buy land in New South Wales to extend the ACT border. Think about every word you have said to do with climate change, bulldozing or affordability. Every word you just said would be damning of what this government is already doing.
With the Ginninderry development a decision was made after a feasibility study. Ms Lee is simply asking for a feasibility study. Yes, things have changed since Winton. That is why we think we should be asking Canberrans again, Mr Gentleman—this is no laughing matter—what are their housing choices. In fact, you do not really need to ask because the numbers speak for themselves—tens of thousands of applications for hundreds of blocks because you are restricting the supply. That is your decision. That is this government’s decision to control and strangle the supply of something Canberrans want.
I was talking to my staff about this today. It really begs a rather big question for me—that is, what is the purpose of government? Each member here is a local member. I applaud many of you who I have heard speak on behalf of your electorate. What is the purpose of government? You are there for your electorate. You are there for your decisions in your electorate. In the case of Tuggeranong, Ms Lawder and Mr Parton and I, having attended the Tuggeranong Community Council, have heard them reflecting on how they feel neglected—a population that is dwindling. Hello? If there is a population that is dwindling, is that not a potential area for growth? The logic is there.
I am astounded by the reaction to a very reasonable motion to call for a feasibility study into development in Tuggeranong. Is the government now going to pull back from the western edge investigation because of the words spoken here this evening?
Mr Parton: No, because that’s their idea.
MR CAIN: It must be. I cannot think of another reason, Mr Parton.
Members interjecting—
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