Page 3947 - Week 12 - Thursday, 20 October 2005

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National Gallery of Australia

MR MULCAHY: My question is to the Chief Minister in his capacity as minister for the arts. After a very long gestation period, the new director of the National Gallery of Australia, Mr Ron Radford, has revealed some of his plans to make the National Gallery of Australia what he describes as a truly national collection of Australian art. In view of the importance of the NGA to the economic and cultural life of the ACT, has the ACT arts minister been consulted on its plans for future acquisitions, exhibitions and promotion?

MR STANHOPE: There is a high level of contact between the national gallery and the ACT government, essentially through tourism. There is some contact between me and the director and some contact between artsACT and the gallery. In the context of the extent to which we as a government work with national institutions to pursue the economic interests of the territory as opposed to the artistic interests of the territory, the contact is essentially through the Department of Economic Development and, with national attractions, through tourism ACT. At an arts to arts level there is very limited contact, but some because of our mutual interests.

In the context of the level of contact in relation to the issue Mr Mulcahy raised about the importance of the gallery to our tourism industry and economic development and the capacity of the national institutions to be a major driver of economic activity within the ACT, those issues essentially are handled on behalf of the ACT government by the minister for economic development and tourism. I cannot give details, but I would be more than happy, on Mr Quinlan’s behalf, to take the question on notice.

MR MULCAHY: I have a supplementary question. The minister may wish to take it on notice. Minister, I am wondering whether you can indicate if there has been any correspondence sent or received in relation to national iconic institutions and their role in terms of the ACT economy and tourism promotion.

MR STANHOPE: I know that there has been but, I regret, I am not across the detail and I cannot be as useful as I would wish to be. I know, from meetings and discussions I have had from time to time with Ross MacDiarmid, of the work in which Mr Mackay and officers of his organisation—I think of Ron Radford in particular—are involved with the national institutions. I will have to take the question on notice, but I am more than happy to provide any assistance I can.

No waste target

MR GENTLEMAN: My question is to the Minister for Urban Services. Would the minister please update the Assembly on the territory’s progress towards meeting targets in the no waste by 2010 program?

MR HARGREAVES: I thank Mr Gentleman for the question.

Mrs Dunne: Tell me about putrescible waste, Johnno.


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