Page 1473 - Week 05 - Wednesday, 7 May 2008

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Clause 14 provides:

… in the event that a certificate of importance has been approved, the Minister will advise the Legislative Assembly when the project has been completed. At that time, the certificate of importance will expire.

This bill is on the table today because of the failure of government—the failure of government over five years—to listen to Macarthur residents in particular and the broad community in general. We are here today because of the failure of the government—through its Land Development Agency and planning agency—to take into account the views of the community in selecting sites for major projects. And we are here today because, over the last five years, the constant assault by this government on the Macarthur residents in particular, and those in Fadden, has left that community gun-shy and very much not believing anything the government says.

Some of it may be coincidence; some of it may be accident. But when you have the Karralika proposal, with consultation done over the Christmas period, and then a consultation for a $2 billion project done over the school holidays, the Macarthur, Fadden and broader communities of Tuggeranong are very cynical about this government and its processes.

Everyone I have spoken to has said that they would like to see this project go ahead. The site that I believe is ideal for the project—and that, under this bill, would be able to be used for the project should it be available—is the old sawmill site at Hume. It is already industrial; it already had huge buildings on it; it already had a smokestack that emitted into the environment. You cannot see it from Gilmore, Macarthur or Fadden. It is a site that was put there for purposes such as these. Indeed, I understand that some buildings there may already have data-holding facilities.

This bill is on the table today because we listen to the community. This bill is on the table today because of the incompetence of the government. I commend the bill to the Assembly.

Debate (on motion by Mr Barr) adjourned to the next sitting.

Anzac Day Bill 2008

Mr Pratt, pursuant to notice, presented the bill.

Title read by Clerk.

MR PRATT (Brindabella) (10.55): I move:

That this bill be agreed to in principle.

Mr Speaker, today I table legislation that seeks to preserve the dignity and solemnity of the commemoration of Anzac Day. This legislation will prohibit large entertainment events being held during Anzac Day remembrance events. This


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