Page 3272 - Week 12 - Thursday, 19 November 1992
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Following that meeting, the Planning Authority contacted ACTEW and requested that no trees be removed. That was certainly my expectation of what would happen. But those acacias were removed. My information from ACTEW is that they presented a fire hazard to the high voltage lines and needed to go. I repeat: In terms of what I had requested, they should not have been removed. ACTEW have indicated that they will plant more appropriate trees as screens, and perhaps in a slightly more appropriate place so that they do not present any future threat to those powerlines.
But, most importantly, the fine stand of mature eucalypts along the Stirling Avenue reserve are in no danger, Mr Moore. I am sure you will be pleased to hear that. As I said, I have given an assurance to residents that, in the event of some residential development occurring in that area, as is presently under discussion, those important trees will be protected. I repeat that I have emphatically advised ACTEW of this and have been told by ACTEW as emphatically that they have no intention of removing those mature eucalypts. In order for our requirements to be absolutely met and for there to be no doubt, ACTEW's contractors have moved on to another area specified in their contract, remote from there, and we may absolutely underline and fully guarantee the protection of those eucalypts.
There is, however, one factor to be noted. This was advised to me by ACTEW when I spoke to them at lunchtime. I am sure members in this Assembly are familiar with the ACTEW advertisement which warns residents of the dangers of trees adjacent to the powerlines that run above our backyard fences. ACTEW tells me that there may need to be some trimming of trees that impinge on the one-and-a-half metre limit from those lines. That may also be a cause of concern if something is done there. I will certainly keep in touch with ACTEW in respect of that matter. I will suggest further to ACTEW that they might contact residents, should they be planning some lopping in that area, because it is obviously a matter of very considerable sensitivity. Because of my assurances to residents on the matter, I also am very sensitive and very alert to what may be happening.
Age of Consent
MRS GRASSBY: I direct my question to the Chief Minister. It is a very important question because a lot of people would like to know about this. Does the Government intend to introduce amendments to the law relating to the age of consent?
MS FOLLETT: I thank Mrs Grassby for the question. Madam Speaker, the Government has no intention, and has never had any intention, of lowering the age of consent. I would like to say that assertions - - -
Mr Kaine: It is in your policy platform, along with abortion and drugs.
MS FOLLETT: Public assertions, including those by the Liberal Party, Madam Speaker - - -
Mr Kaine: It is in your policy.
Mr De Domenico: Are you going to take it out of your policy?
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