Page 4608 - Week 11 - Tuesday, 19 October 2010

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MS BRESNAN: Minister, did you receive any concerns directly from community organisations or concerned disability groups about these cuts?

MS BURCH: I thank Ms Bresnan for her question. Certainly I am not aware of any direct approach.

MR COE: Supplementary, Mr Speaker.

MR SPEAKER: Yes, Mr Coe.

MR COE: Minister, has the Minister for Education advised you on how these services will be maintained and what has been promised and, if so, what was that advice?

MS BURCH: I have not had a full in-depth discussion with the minister, because I think those policies are still being determined. Once they have been, I am sure that the minister will advise me.

Canberra—growth

MR SMYTH: My question is to the Acting Chief Minister. Acting Chief Minister, earlier today, in the climate change debate, your colleague Andrew Barr said: “It might be what is Australia’s largest regional subsidy program, the city of Canberra, could finally come of age economically.” Minister, do you agree that the city of Canberra is simply a subsidy program? Is it acceptable that your minister reduces hard working public servants and the residents of Canberra to this level?

MS GALLAGHER: I know that the minister for education has a deep love for Canberra and for what Canberra’s potential could be. I think Mr Barr’s comments related to the origins of Canberra.

Opposition members interjecting—

MS GALLAGHER: I think that is what it was. You might find that hilarious but I think all of us on this side of the government support the potential of Canberra to grow into its own city.

Opposition members interjecting—

MR SPEAKER: Order, members!

MS GALLAGHER: Thank you, Mr Speaker. I support the comments that Mr Barr made, but in the context in which they were made, which was about the origins of Canberra as the seat of government, what it has grown into today and what it is going to grow into in the future. I know on this side of the chamber we are working hard to talk with our community about where Canberra wants to be in the lead-up to our second century and over and beyond that. These are all the reasons behind the discussion we are having as part of the 2030 discussions, and discussions that I note


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