Page 3762 - Week 12 - Wednesday, 29 October 2014
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MS GALLAGHER: I will have to take further advice on that. I know the Skywhale did make a number of local appearances during the 2013 year over and above what had been required by the standard contract, but I am very happy to take further advice on it. I have not seen those FOI documents, so I would need to apprise myself of the information Mr Smyth is quoting from.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Smyth.
MR SMYTH: Chief Minister, what is the standard rate for an appearance of the Skywhale and what was the value of the special rate negotiated by the government for appearances potentially at the Glassworks and the University of Canberra?
MS GALLAGHER: I will take that on notice as well. I will have to refresh myself with the details of that. I did remember it back in 2013, but it eludes me right now.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mrs Jones.
MRS JONES: Chief Minister, did the government and Global Ballooning offer special appearance deals to local ACT community groups? If yes, to whom? If no, why?
MS GALLAGHER: From memory, the ACT government had an arrangement with Global Ballooning for Skywhale appearances for the centenary. I am aware there were others negotiated above that. I do not believe they involved the government, and I will take further advice on it.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mrs Jones.
MRS JONES: Chief Minister, did the government and Global Ballooning charge local community groups for cancelled appearances or flights? If yes, which organisations and how much?
MS GALLAGHER: There were situations where the Skywhale was not able to fly because of the wind but was inflated. I am trying to recall whether that was an issue at one of the community festivals.
Mrs Jones: She appeared at close quarters.
MS GALLAGHER: She did. So people were able to enjoy the benefits of the piece of art and all the reactions that that drew. But I will take further advice. A comprehensive answer to the Assembly on the favourite floating art piece of the centenary is required, and I am very happy to provide that. I would say that she has just appeared in Japan to a lot of critical acclaim and, indeed, Patricia Piccinini is seeking a meeting with me to discuss further opportunities for Skywhale, on which I will also keep the Assembly fully briefed.
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