Page 2341 - Week 08 - Wednesday, 5 June 2013
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called for a 30 per cent greenhouse gas reduction target; we never resolved that issue. The Liberal Party were deeply critical of the 40 per cent target that was passed by this chamber. They have always got to be awkward and they were a little bit silent when we started talking about their 30 per cent target. I note that that legislation was never—
Mr Barr interjecting—
MR RATTENBURY: I also note the reference in Mr Hanson’s motion to the Skywhale. I quote the exact text:
… the Government continues to prioritise expenditure on items such as the Skywhale instead of measures that will ease the burden on Canberra families—
I found the debate on the Skywhale quite fascinating. If we accept that the price is around $300,000, how exactly is that a prioritisation of government expenditure? We have a centenary budget of $30 million, of which this is a small component. I note that the opposition has not been nearly as exercised, for example, by the international cricket match in Canberra which cost more than the Skywhale. I went to the international cricket match and I enjoyed it, as many Canberrans did. Equally, there are a group of Canberrans who have derived pleasure, interest and enjoyment from the Skywhale. I think it points to the fact—
Mr Coe interjecting—
MR RATTENBURY: We can have a debate about how many enjoyed each one, but it points to the fact that in a $30 million centenary budget there rightly should be scope for a range of activities.
Opposition members interjecting—
MADAM SPEAKER: Order, Mr Hanson and Mr Coe! Mr Rattenbury has the floor.
Mr Barr interjecting—
MADAM SPEAKER: Mr Barr!
MR RATTENBURY: In a $30 million centenary budget there are going to be a range of activities that take place and different groups of Canberrans are going to enjoy each of those activities. I think the whole debate about the Skywhale has, frankly, been blown a little out of proportion.
Mr Barr: It has. There is a lot of hot air.
MR RATTENBURY: There is a lot of hot air. Because of the obvious political nature of a range of the statements and the fact that, unfortunately, that has disguised the important issues that lie behind some of the points I think Mr Hanson probably wants to make, I will not be able to support the motion today.
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