Page 3462 - Week 12 - Wednesday, 19 September 1990
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MR DUBY: I thank Ms Maher for the question. It is a particularly relevant question, given the current rantings of the member opposite, Mr Wood, and the previous rantings yesterday in regard to this very issue when he made outlandish comments in relation to the ACT Government's membership of the Australian Fisheries Council. Representation on the Australian Fisheries Council and the Standing Committee on Fisheries provides opportunities for input to the decision making processes affecting fisheries management. The ACT, Mr Wood, or should I say, Ms Maher, has responsibilities for fisheries management within its streams, rivers and impounded waters. It acts as an agent of the Commonwealth in its management of the Commonwealth waters of Jervis Bay and under an agreement with New South Wales we manage the Googong reservoir fishery.
The ACT is a member of the Advisory Committee on Live Fish, an expert group which provides advice to the Standing Committee on Fisheries concerning the import and export of live marine and freshwater fish in and out of Australia, and the control of fish diseases. This includes fish for the aquarium trade and for human consumption. The introduction of exotic fish and fish diseases to our waterways is a further significant concern. Issues raised through this mechanism are discussed at the Standing Committee on Fisheries - - -
Mr Wood: Yes, you are embarrassed; I can see that. So you ought to be.
MR DUBY: - - - and the Australian Fisheries Council - I will get around to your $100,000 in a moment, Mr Wood - and are of direct relevance to the management of ACT fisheries. These organisations meet once per year. Additional costs are not substantial for the benefits gained from direct consultation with those people responsible for the management of fisheries throughout Australia. In that light I hear again the remarkable claims that membership of this council costs the ACT taxpayer $100,000 per annum. Mr Speaker, nothing could be further from the truth. Indeed, the ACT, under its management and membership of that council, is limited to no more than 5 per cent of operations of the council. Whilst there is no direct membership fee levied on the ACT, I would be greatly surprised if the costs involved in membership and participation in that consultative forum exceed $5,000 per annum.
Liberal Party of Australia - ACT Division
MRS GRASSBY: My question is to the Chief Minister, Mr Kaine, the Minister for planning. I refer to the recent court case involving ACT Liberal Party headquarters at Deakin. Does the Minister agree that Justice Lockhart's conclusion was that the ACT Liberal Party was "neither the occupier of 50 per cent of the building nor the sole
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