Page 965 - Week 06 - Wednesday, 26 July 1989
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MR SPEAKER: Order! I point to the fact that we do not ask policy matters of Ministers at question time.
Church Leases
MR COLLAERY: I did not get any mustard in my sandwiches, so I have got a very pure question for the Chief Minister.
Has the Government been approached by the Catholic Church authorities regarding the sale of church property in the ACT presently held on special purpose leases - in particular St Peter Chanel's at Yarralumla, a place which must be dear to the Chief Minister - and the betterment that would be payable for a further lease purpose change to enable commercial development of those sites?
MS FOLLETT: I thank Mr Collaery for this question. As he has suggested, it is indeed dear to my heart. I was a founder pupil of St Peter Chanel's Primary School, and it is the only school in the world that I was ever dux of, so it is one that indeed has some high sentimental value for me. I think, if Mother Monica, who taught me throughout my entire career at St Peter Chanel's, were aware of the moves that were afoot now, the dear lady would turn in her grave.
To the best of my knowledge there has been in fact no approach from the Catholic Church or the Catholic Education Office concerning the sale of this school or any possible change in the lease purpose arrangements there. If there were to be such an approach, it would need to be fully considered, as I believe the lease purpose at the moment is fairly specific and does tie that block of land down to the purpose virtually that it is currently undertaking now. So it will be an issue if and when any such approach is made. But to the best of my knowledge we have not had one.
Radiotherapy Treatment
MR HUMPHRIES: Mr Speaker, my question is to the Minister for Community Services and Health. Is the Minister aware of the frequent breakdown of the radiotherapy machine at Woden Valley Hospital used to treat cancer patients? What does the Minister intend to do about this deplorable situation? Is he prepared to replace the machine as a matter of priority?
MR BERRY: It is a very emotional issue when it comes to discussing the treatment of cancer because of the position which people find themselves in when they have to present for this sort of treatment.
A member: All the more reason.
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