Page 3778 - Week 13 - Tuesday, 8 November 1994
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National Museum of Australia
MR CORNWELL: I am comforted by the Minister for Health's assurance that this Government, under the Chief Minister, gets on with serving the people of the Territory, because my question is to the Chief Minister. Chief Minister, you told the Canberra Times on 6 February 1994 that, if the Commonwealth Government wanted the land at Acton Peninsula for the National Museum site:
... they will have to add that cost to the cost of the museum.
You also said at the time that the site was worth $45m. I ask you, Chief Minister: In the interests of the people of the Territory, do you stand by that valuation?
MS FOLLETT: Madam Speaker, I thank Mr Cornwell for the question. I am sure that members will understand that, of course, this Territory is not about to let the Acton Peninsula go simply at a whim of the Federal Government. Now that the Federal Government has decided to make use of Acton Peninsula for the Gallery of Aboriginal Australia, it is quite clear to me that we must seek some form of compensation for the Territory. As it stands, of course, as members would know, the peninsula, whilst being owned by this Territory, is under the planning control of the National Capital Planning Authority.
Madam Speaker, after looking at the recent decision by the Federal Government in the cultural statement, it is quite clear to me that we need to seek from the Federal Government an understanding of how they wish to proceed now with that decision. A very important part of that negotiation with the Federal Government will be the compensation that is to apply in view of their use of Acton Peninsula. It seems to me that the valuations that I had on Acton Peninsula are perfectly legitimate. The one that is mentioned probably relates to a high commercial use of Acton Peninsula. It was independently obtained and is perfectly legitimate. It seems to me that, given that the Commonwealth wishes to proceed with this use of Acton Peninsula, the best way for us to seek compensation probably would be by way of a land swap, and that is what I will be seeking to negotiate with the Commonwealth.
Mr Humphries: You said that it was a bad idea, when Mrs Carnell suggested it.
MS FOLLETT: At the moment we are not at that point, but I do note that that was Mrs Carnell's precise position at the time; and, Madam Speaker, I do not expect to be attacked over it by the Liberals. If they were to do so, it would be extremely hypocritical.
Mr Humphries: But you attacked her for it, when she made the suggestion.
Mr De Domenico: That is different.
MS FOLLETT: Madam Speaker, I hear interjections that I attacked Mrs Carnell over that. I do not recall my doing that at all; but I do expect that the Commonwealth will recognise the value of Acton Peninsula and will seek to play fair with the people of the Territory in coming to a suitable agreement on that matter.
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