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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2003 Week 4 Hansard (1 April) . . Page.. 1138 ..
MR CORBELL (continuing):
Further, the report has found that the development cost per block is closer to $40,000, in contrast to the $38,500 per block used in the government's modelling. So on that one point alone the report found that we were not conservative enough, and we have made the appropriate adjustment. But, Mr Speaker, when you look at the report in its entirety, it shows that the government's assumptions were accurate, they were responsible, they were conservative, and they deliver a return on an asset that this community deserves.
MR HARGREAVES: Mr Speaker, I ask a supplementary question. Minister, can you advise the Assembly what this report shows for the government's policy on public sector land development?
MR CORBELL: Mr Hargreaves and members, it shows that it is an endorsement of the government's policies. It is an endorsement of our financial modelling because it shows that public land development can work, that it can work responsibly and that it can be of a benefit in revenue and planning terms for the ACT community.
I would just like to quote what the consultants say. The consultants state in their executive summary that they "believe that the territory's model is correct"and that they "agree with the territory's positive forecast".
Mr Smyth: How much did the report cost?
MR CORBELL: Go and say that outside the chamber, Mr Smyth. The consultants go on to say:
we believe that the Territory's continued use of its development model would serve it well and would recommend the ongoing assessment of market conditions relevant to key assumptions ...
Mr Speaker, I think Mrs Dunne might be regretting that recommendation now.
Fireworks
MRS CROSS: My question is to Ms Gallagher in her capacity as Minister for Industrial Relations. The government's response to the report of the Standing Committee on Legal Affairs in relation to the sale and use of fireworks states:
The first priority will be to develop Legislation dealing with explosives (including fireworks), with a view to having the Legislation in place before the 2003 June long weekend.
Minister, as there will be only five sitting days before the 2003 June long weekend, would you please inform the house why we have yet to see this promised legislation? In your answer, could you indicate, if there is to be no legislation, what interim measures you will put in place to make the passage of this year's fireworks season less litigious and less problematic than it was last year?
MS GALLAGHER: I am advised that consultation is ongoing with the fireworks industry in order to work through some of the requirements of the new legislation and that the Fireworks Association has been very helpful in providing guidance and advice to the Chief Minister's Department. I acknowledge that it now seems unlikely that we will
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