Page 3824 - Week 13 - Wednesday, 16 October 1991
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know, is that it is a matter that has been discussed between and amongst members of this Government and no doubt between and amongst members of the previous Government. The matter is still under discussion, and I expect that the Government will be considering it shortly.
A threshold issue with the question of superannuation has been devising a scheme that is fair and could not be painted in any way as being lurks and perks for MLAs. I believe that one criterion for a scheme that would be seen as fair and reasonable and absolutely comparable to all other schemes is that the scheme should be a contributory one. As I said, I expect that the Government will be considering the issue shortly.
Narellan House
MR JENSEN: My question is directed to Mr Wood in his dual capacity as Minister for Education and Minister for the Environment, Land and Planning. Is the Minister aware of increasing speculation and rumours about the future of Narellan House and its effect on the provision of student accommodation within the ACT, particularly for ACT TAFE? When will the Minister be putting the speculation to rest and advising what action is being taken to resolve student accommodation problems if and when Narellan House is closed? Secondly, if Narellan House is closed, when will we know the future of the buildings and the site?
MR WOOD: We have a concern for the safety of the students who presently occupy Narellan House. It is my clear opinion, based on the best advice that has been given to me, that it is not a safe place in which to live. It is a fire hazard and it is a health hazard. To get it up to any standard that is acceptable these days would require a very large sum of money. Obviously, therefore, the Government is looking to the future of the house, and it is no surprise that for this Government, as for the former one, a very likely option is that it will be demolished and other accommodation provided, whether there or somewhere else suitable for students.
I have had discussions with the students association and with interested agencies about the future of the site and what should happen. It would be my wish that we resolve the issue very soon. If it is not to be available to students next year, they need to know within a very short space of time. Our primary concern is for those students. Alternative accommodation will be found for those who need it. The precise details have been a matter of investigation for quite a time, cooperatively within both departments, and I will be making an announcement fairly soon.
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