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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1999 Week 7 Hansard (30 June) . . Page.. 1891 ..


MR BERRY (continuing):

This legislation is not only good for workers; it is also good for government and it is good for business if strengthened laws improve the situation. Mr Speaker, this legislation will make advances in all respects and I urge members to support it.

Debate (on motion by Mr Smyth ) adjourned.

CANBERRA INTERNATIONAL DRAGWAY - LEASE ARRANGEMENTS

MR CORBELL (9.48): Mr Speaker, I move:

That this Assembly:

(1) notes the significant contribution the Canberra International Dragway makes to tourism activity in Canberra, attracting over 18,000 interstate visitors worth $2,000,000 in revenue to the ACT economy each year;

(2) recognises the important role performed by the Canberra International Dragway in providing a safe, controlled and professional venue for dragracing and other motor sport;

(3) expresses its serious concern that since the closure of the Canberra International Dragway in December 1998 the ACT has lost $1.2 million in revenue due to the cancellation of dragracing events and activities forced by the failure of the ACT Government to fulfil its responsibilities under the lease arrangements to set rent and other conditions; and

(4) urges the Minister for Urban Services to fulfil all of his obligations under the leasing arrangements as a matter of urgency.

Mr Smyth: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I alert the Assembly to the fact that this matter has now been lodged with the courts and some of the issues that may come up here may well end up being sub judice.

MR CORBELL: What is the point of order?

Mr Smyth: On many points the Government may not be able to answer, or would not like to jeopardise any case.

MR SPEAKER: Thank you. Mr Corbell, I am sure you will be aware of that and will take account of the matter when you are debating.

MR CORBELL: Indeed, Mr Speaker. Thank you. Mr Speaker, it has been a while since this notice of motion was placed on the notice paper. It is unfortunate that the Assembly has not had an opportunity to deal with it before now, but I am pleased, even at this relatively late hour this evening, to address this very important motion. It is important, Mr Speaker, because the Canberra International Dragway is a significant


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