Page 1977 - Week 07 - Tuesday, 5 August 2014
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MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Doszpot.
MR DOSZPOT: Minister, how many tourists does the government assume will catch capital metro every day?
MR CORBELL: The government is not making assessments about tourist use as part of patronage demand for capital metro. Our focus is on commuters, but obviously some tourists will use the light rail network, for whatever reason, depending on their destinations. Over time, as the network grows, there is great capacity for tourists to take further advantage of it.
The focus of this project is about providing real, meaningful choice for commuters, for Canberrans, to move around the city more efficiently, more effectively and in a way that gives them a real and meaningful alternative to the car. We are determined, as a government, to make this important transition—a transition to a more sustainable transport future and a transition towards the provision of public transport infrastructure that meets the long-term needs of our city.
We know that these projects are not without controversy. We know that these projects are not without political debate. But what we also know is that when these investment decisions are made, when the infrastructure is provided, people respond very positively to these projects. We know that a majority of Canberrans can see that vision and they support it. They are out there saying they want the government to get on and do this work, whether it is in Gungahlin or whether it is in Tuggeranong. People are saying they support this project. We will continue to engage both with those who support it and, of course, with those who are sceptical—those that have questions and those that have concerns. The government is committed to engaging with all Canberrans about why this project is so important for the future of our city.
Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders—legal services
MR WALL: My question is to the Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs. Minister, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are overrepresented in our jails and make up a disproportionate percentage of the representation in our court system. At the end of July, the Aboriginal Justice Centre, one of the few accessible legal services available for this section of the community, closed its doors. Minister, what are you doing to ensure that adequate legal representation is available for Indigenous people in the ACT?
MR RATTENBURY: Mr Wall has rightly identified an overrepresentation of Indigenous people right through the justice system. It is an area of great concern. Unfortunately—
Mr Coe interjecting—
MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER: Mr Coe, I warn you. Mr Rattenbury, the Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs.
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