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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1999 Week 5 Hansard (5 May) . . Page.. 1374 ..


MS CARNELL (continuing):

Members would be aware that a commercial agreement has been entered into between the Independent Group in Canberra and the Kuai Group in China relating to the development of an Australian-Sino friendship village in Canberra. My understanding of the arrangement is that the consortium would promote the sale of sites within the village to Chinese governments and enterprises for use as their Australian bases. I am advised that the consortium is currently undertaking market testing of the project in China prior to proceeding with the next stage of the development, which will presumably entail site selection and purchase, and undertaking the necessary planning processes.

There is no relationship between this initiative and the cooperative agreement signed by the ACT Government and Beijing Municipal Government. A copy of the government-to-government agreement signed during my 1998 visit to China is contained in the delegation report previously provided to members.

Australian Institute of Sport - Swimming Pool

MS CARNELL: Mr Speaker, on 20 April 1999 Mr Rugendyke asked this question:

Has the ACT Government or ACT departments had any contact with the AIS about becoming involved or taking over the AIS pool or any other AIS facilities and, if so, what are the details?

Mr Speaker, there is no formal connection between recent expression of interest advertisements for health and fitness services and the long-term management of the AIS pool. The AIS is market testing the provision of corporate health and swim school programs. The latter obviously operates from the pool, but that is the extent of any association with the facility. There are no discussions between the Government and the AIS taking place regarding control over the pool. The bigger picture of elite sport, in the future, is something which will not be known until late in the year 2000, so any speculation about the AIS pool, in this context, is premature.

Hepatitis C

MR MOORE: I have a reply to a question that I took on notice on 22 April 1999 from Mr Stanhope. He asked:

Would the Minister advise whether claimants will be provided with legal assistance in pursuing compensation with regards to those who contracted hepatitis C?

The scheme to compensate persons who have contracted hepatitis C is intended to be, and is designed to be, as simple, user friendly and as accessible as possible. Persons accessing the scheme will be referred to legal advisers if they wish. Legal expenses are an item which will be included in any compensation offered to such a person.


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