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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2000 Week 4 Hansard (29 March) . . Page.. 1009 ..


MR STEFANIAK (continuing):

I am therefore delighted that he has seen fit to ensure that the area does become a 40-kilometre speed zone and, in fact, quite sensibly, to extend that provision not only to the Spence Preschool site, which quite clearly needs it, but indeed to other preschool sites that might need it as well. I think that is a very sensible move and one that can only impact very positively on the safety of these very young children. Any members who have kids, especially young kids, will be well aware that they are not road smart and that taking steps like this will further reduce the risk of accidents and, indeed, potential tragedies to young students and other pedestrians around preschool sites. I think it is an excellent motion and I am happy to support it.

MR BERRY (11.18): Mr Speaker, certainly I support this move by Mr Hird, but I think the picture really needs to be completed. This would not be a difficulty were it not for the actions of Mr Stefaniak in facilitating the closure of Spence - - -

Mr Stefaniak: On a point of order, Mr Speaker: The school did that, quite clearly. Can he tell the truth?

MR SPEAKER: There is no point of order.

Mr Stefaniak: The school community did that. The Government accepted it.

MR SPEAKER: There is no point of order.

Mr Stefaniak: Can you get the man to tell the truth, Mr Speaker?

MR SPEAKER: Mr Berry has the floor, please.

MR BERRY: Mr Speaker, if it were not for the fact that that school was closed by this Government, with the Minister's approval - - -

Mr Stefaniak: Yes, it gained the Minister's approval as a result of the school community's decision. Get your facts right.

MR SPEAKER: Mr Berry has the floor.

MR BERRY: Mr Speaker, this would not be an issue, and the people of Spence would be much happier as a result. I was approached by a constituent in relation to this matter some time ago, and I think we ought to give some credit where credit is due. Mr Jack Woodforde had been in contact with the Department of Urban Services as far back as January this year - - -

Mr Hird: Earlier than that.

MR

BERRY: Or much earlier than that, and in fact had been engaging with the department on this subject for some time, and seemed to be getting nowhere in relation to the matter. He contacted my office and the advice I gave him was: "Go public. This


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