Page 3922 - Week 14 - Tuesday, 23 October 1990
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While the committee was of the view that the removal of this material should be completed during the demolition of these buildings, the Labor Party is concerned that the appropriate action be taken as a matter of urgency. Accordingly, the Labor Party asks the Government to make its decision on the report and this particular recommendation in paragraph 5 regarding demolition of the station as quickly as possible. This potential threat to our environment should not be allowed to linger any longer.
While the ALP does not oppose the recommendation in paragraph 8 regarding the heights of existing walls, we do not lose any sleep over other Government actions as long as some effort is made to commemorate Australia's involvement in space exploration. That is dealt with in recommendation 2.
The ALP also is concerned that recommendation 12 regarding the retention of part of the main building at the Honeysuckle Creek space tracking station should not impede urgent Government action to remedy the problems mentioned previously. The ALP also supports recommendation 14 that the Commonwealth Government be asked to fund part of the cost of the demolition. As Dr Kinloch and others have already mentioned, these space tracking stations have been an integral part of Australia's history. The ALP supports appropriate recognition of that historical background but agrees with the committee that there is no further appropriate use for these stations.
May I also just go on to say, Mr Deputy Speaker, that I would like to thank the staff for putting this report together. At least we now have on the books a decision that something should be done about it.
Debate (on motion by Mr Duby) adjourned.
SCRUTINY OF BILLS AND SUBORDINATE LEGISLATION - STANDING COMMITTEE
Report and Statement
MR STEFANIAK (4.49): Members, I have been advised by the Clerk that as I am to give this report I can give it from the chair. Acting upon that advice, I present report No. 17 of the Standing Committee on Scrutiny of Bills and Subordinate Legislation and I seek leave to make a brief statement on the report. Is leave granted?
Mr Kaine: Yes. We would allow you to leave the chair and let Bill take the chair if you would like to, Mr Deputy Speaker, so that you can make that statement in comfort. But feel free to do it from there if you would prefer.
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