Page 150 - Week 01 - Wednesday, 16 February 2011
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
The subject of Mr Hargreaves’s motion today is important. Issues of cultural and religious diversity are topics worthy of this Assembly’s attention and time, and I thank Mr Hargreaves for his motion. That said, the Canberra Liberals find it difficult to agree to the inherent spin in his motion. On the back of the Multicultural Festival, credit should be given squarely to our community for their generous support in making such initiatives so well received. In respecting this, we need to note the important role of the National Multicultural Festival in promoting mutual respect and understanding in our community, the importance of fiscal management so that this festival can continue to grow into the future and the importance of ensuring that Canberra continues to develop as a cosmopolitan and accepting city.
Equally, we cannot rest on our laurels and rely solely on Ms Burch’s signature events for the future sustainability of the festival. The rich diversity of our city needs to be fostered through further exchanges and dialogue. Hence, Mr Speaker, I move the amendment that has been circulated in my name:
Omit all words after “That this Assembly”, substitute:
“(1) notes:
(a) the important role of the National Multicultural Festival in promoting mutual respect and understanding in our community;
(b) the importance of fiscal management so that this Festival can continue and grow into the future;
(c) the importance of ensuring that Canberra continues to develop as a cosmopolitan and accepting city; and
(d) the welcoming nature of the ACT community with respect to refugees and asylum seekers; and
(2) calls on the Government to:
(a) consult with local multicultural organisations to develop new Festival events and concepts;
(b) foster increased exchanges and discussions among the diverse ethnic, religious and social groups within our community;
(c) report on the above initiatives prior to the September 2011 sitting; and
(d) include the promotion of social inclusion and interaction into the vision of the Multicultural Festival.”.
MR SPEAKER: Mr Doszpot, do you wish to speak any further?
MR DOSZPOT: Mr Speaker, I think I have covered most of the issues I wanted to talk to, but I will draw attention to paragraph (1)(d), the welcoming nature of the ACT community with respect to refugees and asylum seekers, and also paragraph (2)(d),
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video