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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1996 Week 12 Hansard (21 November) . . Page.. 3953 ..

MR WOOD (12.05): Mr Speaker, I have to say that my personal choice is the earless dragon because it is an endangered species, and I thought an endangered species would be an ideal emblem for this endangered Territory, which is what it is, given the policies and the administration of two Liberal governments.

Mr Kaine: It is endangered only because of the Labor Party.

MR SPEAKER: I was thinking it might be politicians who are endangered. Most of us are.

MR WOOD: Mr Speaker, the point has been made that it is important for the Government and perhaps for the Assembly to decide, "Do we need this faunal emblem?". The case was well presented to us that there are a number of emblems in use around the ACT, sometimes without a clear purpose or reason behind them. I think the next debate should be, "What do we want this to do? What do we want from the variety of emblems that we have?". If it is then decided that we need a faunal emblem, then perhaps bring the matter back to the Assembly and let us pick one of those three that were certainly the popular ones that we found as part of our consultation.

MR OSBORNE (12.06): I will be very brief. I have to say that I personally think this inquiry was a waste of time. Page one of the introduction to the report refers to Mrs Carnell having said:

It is interesting that the ACT is the only State or Territory that does not have a flower, bird and animal as its emblems, and I think that is something that we should attempt to address ...

My question is: Why? What on earth do we need it for?

Mr Moore: It is something warm and cuddly.

MR OSBORNE: Please, Mr Moore, please! I think it was just a cynical attempt on the part of Mrs Carnell to keep Mr Kaine, Mr Wood and me occupied. Nevertheless, it was quite enjoyable working with the two senior statesmen of the Assembly. I would like to thank our secretary, Ms Irvin. I agree with what both Mr Wood and Mr Kaine have said about the Canberra Tourism logo. I think we all acknowledge that is tremendous. I look forward to hearing back from the Government as to what they intend using this rubbish for.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

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