Page 436 - Week 02 - Wednesday, 24 February 1993
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National Baseball League Team
MR DE DOMENICO: For the benefit of the Canberra Times, I point out that this question also is not a dorothy dixer. I ask a question of the Minister for Sport, Mr Berry. The Minister should know that Canberra has the potential of fielding a team in the National Baseball League, dependent on the availability of a satisfactory baseball facility. Acknowledging the enormous benefits to Canberra of such a venture and the fact that $750,000 of investment capital is available, what does the Government intend to do, and when, to ensure that this opportunity is not lost?
MR BERRY: Whom is the investment capital coming from?
Mr De Domenico: You are the Minister. I am asking you the question.
MR BERRY: Madam Speaker, I have heard that there is some pressure from some quarters to establish Canberra in the National Baseball League. That has not come to fruition at this point. The issue of facilities is one that would have to be addressed were that to be the case. My understanding of the existing baseball facility is that the mound is a temporary arrangement and has to be moved when the stadium is used for softball. The question of facilities were the ACT to be in the national league would have to be addressed.
I know that there has been some discussion with Bruce Stadium about that issue. Officers of my department continue to discuss with sports bodies their needs for facilities both in the short term and in the long term. I am sure that those who are interested in going into the National Baseball League would not do it from the hip; they would carefully consider the matter and they would want to have all of the money tied up, so to speak, before they moved. When the question arises, if indeed it does, about facilities for people to be involved in the national league, my officers, I can guarantee you, will offer their utmost support in establishing a ground for a Canberra team in the National Baseball League.
MR DE DOMENICO: I ask a supplementary question, Madam Speaker. Will the Minister be prepared to meet with people who have intentions and have the money to establish the baseball team?
MR BERRY: I will meet with people who want to inject $750,000 into something or other.
Ms Follett: I will meet with them.
MR BERRY: In fact the Chief Minister might rather meet with them herself.
Mr De Domenico: It does not matter who, just as long as someone makes a decision. Who is it going to be?
MR BERRY: I am sure that, if they rang my office or the Chief Minister's office and said, "We have $750,000 we want to invest in baseball in the Territory", they would get a positive response.
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