Page 1136 - Week 03 - Thursday, 26 February 2009
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MR COE (Ginninderra) (5.25): I am glad there are a couple of members from the crossbench present to hear what I am about to say. Often the opposition gets accused of lacking in integrity and I think it is very important that we set the record straight at every opportunity. Let me tell you the story about Hawker—about block 8, section 34, Hawker.
Some months ago, a block of land was put onto the sale register. It went through without too much notice, until the sign went up at the block of land to say that it was going to be sold on 18 March. A few MLAs were contacted about this sale by shopkeepers, by the people at the church and a few others because they were concerned about that block of land and what would happen to it.
Mrs Dunne, a very diligent member for Ginninderra, went to the local businesses and spoke to them. She went to the church and spoke to them. She spoke to other community groups. She spoke to residents. They all said that whilst we are pro development, we are just a little anxious that this is being rushed through; we want to stall it a little and get a proper plan done.
Mrs Dunne, being a good member, thought this was pretty reasonable; so that is exactly what she did. She put together a motion to try to stop this from happening. As per the minutes of 25 February, Mrs Dunne, pursuant to notice, moved a motion. That motion was amended in a technical way by the Chief Minister to actually delay the subsequent sale, in effect, and that was that. It was a real victory for Mrs Dunne. She did very well. She worked hard for the people of Hawker and she got a result.
But I was absolutely staggered when I switched on the radio this morning to hear Ms Porter on the radio talking about her achievements. Not only that, there was a press release put out. It is headed, “Porter acts to achieve a better plan.” Ms Porter did not even speak on the motion. She did not even speak on the motion, but, wait, there are some choice quotes in this press release:
As most know, I am constantly present at the Hawker shops … they know I get the job done.
Ms Porter: Constantly.
MR COE: Constantly? Perhaps “regularly” might be the better word. I am making direct quotes from this press release:
I alerted the Chief Minister to their concerns and am now delighted to report back that the Block will be removed from sale and a full master planning process for the entire Hawker precinct will be undertaken.
I take my hat off to Ms Porter for achieving this. She kicked a goal for the good people of Ginninderra. The press release continues:
Key to representing the community achieving results is conveying their concerns to the relevant Minister and Mrs Dunne has failed to do that.
It is Mrs Dunne’s fault. Mrs Dunne did not do very well. Mrs Dunne did not represent Ginninderra very well. I find this absolutely appalling. Anyway, the final paragraph says:
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