Page 1369 - Week 05 - Tuesday, 9 May 2006
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The commonwealth has absolutely no intention of giving it back to us. This is one of those interesting catch-22 situations. At the time of self-government we did not really have anybody here to articulate or argue the detail of some of the issues around transferral at self-government. I say this without bringing politics into it because Labor was in government at the time of self-government. I make the point that this issue of ownership, which is a valuable one, is one in which we have been duped. I say that again, but I am not going to cry over it; the commonwealth is not now going to change the position in relation to its shareholding. I could bang away forever, to absolutely no advantage or advance in the debate. To the extent that I might have a particular view about my capacity—and you might have a different view about my capacity, Dr Foskey—to effectively use my good offices with my New South Wales and Victorian counterparts to seek an adjustment of their position, it does not extend to influencing Steve Bracks or Morris Iemma in the sale of the Snowy hydro.
I am happy to write to them. I have not, and I am not inclined to. I have no capacity, Dr Foskey, nor would any Chief Minister in the ACT of either persuasion, to influence this decision other than to put a position on the need to ensure that, if the sale proceeds—and that is a decision that other governments will make, not this government—the integrity of the catchment is protected. The environment is uppermost in our considerations. I believe that absolutely. I am more than happy to state that publicly, and I have. I can argue a position but I do not know whether or not it would be appropriate for the ACT government to do that. We are part of the catchment. Canberra is the most significant city within the catchment and it has a vested interest. To some extent, statements by the premiers of New South Wales and Victoria about their determination have reassured me.
In passing, if some of the rumours in relation to tonight’s federal budget are to be believed, the suggestion that the commonwealth will be investing an additional $500 million in the Murray-Darling Basin is absolutely fantastic news. To the extent that the commonwealth’s holding within the Snowy hydro has been, anecdotally at least, valued at $400 million, if the federal Treasurer does make that commitment tonight, it is perhaps open to the commonwealth to make the claim that it is reinvesting its entire return from the sale of the Snowy hydro in the catchment, plus $100 million. It will be interesting to see whether or not that particular rumour comes to pass tonight. If so, I applaud it. It would take the commonwealth’s investment in the Murray-Darling Basin in the last four to five years to $2 billion, which is quite significant.
MR SPEAKER: The minister’s time has expired.
DR FOSKEY: I ask a supplementary question. Chief Minister, have you considered putting your arguments to the New South Wales Legislative Council inquiry when it conducts hearings in our region?
MR STANHOPE: I have to say that I have not actively or positively considered that that is something that the ACT government might do. I will take some advice, Dr Foskey, from my officials on whether or not that would serve any useful purpose. I do not want to spend time, energy and resources on a submission that makes us feel good but, at the end of the day, will achieve absolutely nothing. I am not one who resiles from standing up and showing leadership and putting a position. I will take some advice, Dr Foskey,
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