Page 560 - Week 04 - Thursday, 29 June 1989
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everybody would agree that the VFT has the potential to increase ACT tourism, our placement as a business centre for the region, and so on. Therefore the Territory could be a very big winner out of the further development of the VFT proposal.
The Government, as such, has not formally considered an attitude towards the very fast train proposal at this point. Therefore I could not really say whether we fully support it or not, at the moment. Of course I think all members would also be aware that some very important environmental considerations must be taken into account in further looking at the very fast train proposal.
Mr Kaine has asked in particular about the environmental impact assessment of the VFT project. I have to say that I know that his proposal for an EIS would be supported by most major conservation and environment groups, particularly in the States through which the VFT will pass. Again, the Government has not considered that issue, so we do not have a specific view on it. But I am certainly hoping that I will have an opportunity to discuss that with groups concerned and to look at the possibility of either an environmental impact statement or a national inquiry or whatever is proposed. It is not an issue that the Government has considered at this point.
Casino Construction
MR COLLAERY: My question is directed to the Minister for Industry, Employment and Education. Would he assure the house, or otherwise admit, that he has not had discussions with a director of Wollongong Constructions Pty Limited about the erection of the casino in Canberra?
MR WHALAN: I missed the first part of the question. Would I give assurances; is that right?
MR COLLAERY: I will reword it, Mr Speaker, to make it easier. Would the Deputy Chief Minister advise the house whether he has had discussions with a director, or any office bearer, of Wollongong Constructions Pty Limited in relation to the construction of a casino in the ACT?
MR WHALAN: Yes, I will advise the house. I have never had any such discussion.
ACT Schools Office
MR MOORE: My question is also to the Minister for Industry, Employment and Education. Why did the Minister seek to mislead the public by alleging that the ACT Schools Office compared favourably with the South Australian education department when figures released previously by
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