Page 2375 - Week 08 - Tuesday, 28 June 2005
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the Majura Valley. It could be somewhere else but it does seem that Majura is the best site. I do not think you can use that as an excuse not to go ahead with the dragway. I was concerned in estimates to hear the number of excuses being given, perhaps triggers, by the government for no action. You have twice gone to the people on it. You need now to fulfil your commitment, and we on this side of the house would be absolutely delighted if you did fulfil your commitment to the people of Canberra to build the dragway. There are so many people, for so many reasons, who want to see it happen.
Whilst I am talking about the Chief Minister, I also understand the Chief Minister’s area has taken over another matter in relation to motor sport, and that is the issuing of a lease to Fairbairn Park. I commend the several members of the government, including the Deputy Chief Minister and some other people there, who have shown great dedication in seeing the issue through. I also understand, as has often been the case in this, you have been thwarted by certain views within the public service, by potential conflicts between people who might know one or two major opponents of anything to do with motor sport at Fairbairn Park. Again, I would urge you to see this through. It is only the granting of the lease, and I am well aware that there are some people in your own bureaucracy who are trying to shaft you. It is something that was taken over at the whim of the Chief Minister. Theoretically that is good but we want you to see that through. I certainly urge you to take on board what I have said and see it through.
I do not know that it came up much in estimates but it has been a running sore for a long time, and it is something you have the ability to see through. It will be of significant benefit to thousands of people, especially for a lot of the young people who derive so much enjoyment—and, in some cases, employment—from motor sport and motor sport-related activities in the territory. I am not going to talk on the human rights issues as my two colleagues on the committee have covered those. I will raise those during the debate in relation to JACS.
DR FOSKEY (Molonglo) (4.19): Seeing industrial relations comes under this heading, it is the place to address the issue of wage parity for people working in the community sector, which we believe needs to be recognised as a priority. To delay wage based indexation for community organisations is very harsh, particularly in light of the relatively large pay increases provided to public sector employees. I acknowledge that the community sector task force has been established and charged with looking at the wage parity issue, but I am concerned that this issue is not being recognised as urgent. The current staff turnover rate in the community sector of around 30 per cent is threatening the viability and effectiveness of important social services. Community groups such as the conservation council and the RSPCA have effectively suffered a funding cut, as there is no provision for consumer price index increases or salary increments. I support the call from ACTCOSS for the government to assess the worthiness of all proposals received by the community inclusion fund, which was significantly oversubscribed, with a view to providing additional funds in the budget to fund proposals in line with the objectives of the fund.
I am very disappointed that the ACT government has changed its position on conducting an inquiry into retribution in aged care facilities. In February this year, the Chief Minister gave a commitment that this inquiry would be held and terms of reference were in the process of being developed by the Office for Ageing. However, in answer to a question on notice during the estimates process, the Chief Minister has revealed that no
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