Page 181 - Week 02 - Thursday, 25 May 1989
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Office accommodation at the moment in central Canberra is about $280 per square metre per annum, compared with the figure in Tuggeranong of about $220 per square metre per annum. A significant saving is to be achieved by the location of offices in places like Tuggeranong.
The advice that I have received is that not only is the differential at this moment quite significant, but that the differential over the next three to five years period is going to be even greater again. On survey figures there is a shortfall of about 20,000 square metres - - -
MR SPEAKER: Deputy Chief Minister, because we have such a short time for questions without notice, I would ask all Ministers to make their replies brief.
MR WHALAN: There is a shortfall in Civic at the moment of about 20,000 square metres, so demand for office accommodation in central Canberra exceeds supply by about 20,000 square metres. This is having a significant effect on the cost of accommodation in town. It is anticipated that within 12 months from now new accommodation coming on line is likely to reach about $350 per square metre, so the difference at that point of time would be quite dramatic. Added to that - - -
Mr Jensen: I rise on a point of order, Mr Speaker. I seem to recall that the question related to the Minister having an electorate office in that area. Mr Speaker, we have now gone on for some minutes, and we have not got anywhere near the question.
MR SPEAKER: The point of order is upheld. Please answer the question.
MR WHALAN: There is no question to answer in that case, Mr Speaker, because the article did not refer to an electorate office.
MRS NOLAN: My subsequent question is: Do you intend to establish an electorate office in this facility?
MR WHALAN: The answer is no, but I am quite happy to elaborate on that. I do intend to move the ministerial office, which is currently located in a building which will be demolished to make way for the community facilities which are associated with the Civic Square redevelopment. That building will be demolished very early next year or late this year. It is in the context of the savings which will be achieved in that process. I am just sorry that I did not get the opportunity to explain those savings to members, because I am quite sure that members opposite would be reassured that this Government is seeking to exercise economies in every way possible.
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