Page 1886 - Week 09 - Thursday, 19 October 1989

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factories and other employment creating activities which clearly are anathema to the Residents Rally party. From time to time deeds of agreement of that type do contain information which I am sure Bernard Collaery, as a senior lawyer, would recognise is appropriate to be kept confidential. In those circumstances, if the commercial activities of potential institutions involved in the economic development of this Territory are going to be continually harassed by members of the Residents Rally party, we can see that there can be a substantial undermining of confidence in the process of economic development - a most regrettable development. But notwithstanding that, we have seen the undertaking by the Government in relation to the Revlon group, a commitment to make available to the leaders of the parties in this place on a confidential basis in my office the deed of agreement. It can be examined there by those people on that basis.

Cosmetics Manufacturer

MR COLLAERY: Mr Speaker, my question is directed to the Minister for Industry, Employment and Education. In view of the fact that apparently the Assembly is not going to see the file in relation to Revlon, may I ask whether a document containing these statements is an authentic document from those files. I read, amongst other things:

ACTEW engineer ... says he is awaiting further discussion with Revlon regarding the cost of off-site works to enhance the sewer system. He understands that Revlon will contribute ... A/S Peter Kearns says if $100,000 is found for industry training then he sees no problem arranging it.

Let me read on:

ACT Administration believes these offers are most favourable because the prices asked are well below market value, possibly half real value.

And I could read on, Minister. Are we going to be allowed to authenticate documents that we have before us? Are we allowed to see the file?

MR WHALAN: Mr Speaker, the Revlon file held within the department is probably as thick as the ASIO file that Mr Collaery has observed in relation to me. In fact, I have never opened the cover of the Revlon file and so I do not know what is contained within the folds of that particular document. But I reiterate my undertaking which was given yesterday, the willingness on the part of the Government to make available to the leaders of the parties on a confidential basis the deeds of agreement in relating to the arrangement between the Government and the Revlon corporation.


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