Page 4917 - Week 15 - Thursday, 15 December 2005
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MR STANHOPE: By way of example, it is a project to which the government is committed. In the context of our commitment to sustainable transport and the future of the city, it is the sort of work that must be done. We simply cannot claim the mantle of a sustainable city, we cannot possibly meet the targets that we set ourselves in relation to greenhouse gas emissions, if we do not truly embrace sustainable transport. But, in the context of the question asked and the banter and the extent to which the opposition mislead continually the people of Canberra around promises made and funded, this is one that is used constantly and repeatedly, and it is false. It is simply not true. So the question that was asked today is based on this falsehood, on this false premise—
Mr Corbell: Not again?
MR STANHOPE: Yes, again, another falsehood, just like the waiting lists. Mr Smyth has a problem with numbers. He has a problem with numbers in relation to the waiting lists and he has a problem with numbers in relation to leaked draft cabinet documents. This government—I use this by way of example—has never, ever promised to fund that busway. We promised to fund the design. We promised to fund the design for the future, as we should, in the first instance to ensure, at least, that the planning work is done and that a busway is protected on a confirmed route. The work needs to be done at the outset. We had this debate yesterday, of course, in relation, for instance, to City Hill. It is remarkable to see this question today, and the mock hilarity, in the context of the debate yesterday about a statutory authority to begin the development of City Hill. There is not a single developer in Canberra involved in development in Civic who believes that we should get out there on City Hill with our bulldozers and begin work—not a single one.
Opposition members: Not a single one?
MR STANHOPE: Not a single one. There is not a single developer, if we rocked up and said, Righto, buy this block of land, begin the development, start work within 24 months” who would say, “Right, okay.” There is not one. If you put the offer out there, it would not be taken up. But this is of no moment to the Liberal Party. It is of no moment to the shadow minister for planning or the Leader of the Opposition. They would be out there doing it, they pretend, in complete ignorance of the economic situation or the economic proposal. This government is not. In relation to this coming budget, we will deal with each issue on its merits.
Emergency Services Authority—headquarters
MR GENTLEMAN: My question is to the minister for emergency services. Could the minister advise the Assembly of the government’s decision on the relocation of the Emergency Services Authority headquarters?
MR HARGREAVES: I thank Mr Gentleman for his question.
Mrs Dunne: On a point of order, Mr Speaker: I would like you to review the question. Is this an announcement of government policy?
MR SPEAKER: He was asked to advise the Assembly about the future position of the Emergency Services Authority. The standing order you are referring to is the one that
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