Page 3830 - Week 12 - Thursday, 30 October 2014
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But I do express that we will continue to hold the government to account. We will continue to pressure the government when we see that it is required and we will continue to offer alternative solutions when we see that there are other solutions to be had. Ultimately, what we all want from this place—all 17 of your parliamentarians here—is something that is fair, that is completed effectively and that is completed in a timely fashion.
On behalf of the opposition I acknowledge this has been a difficult journey; I acknowledge there is a long way to go. But your parliamentarians on this side of the chamber will be standing with you to make sure that, once and for all, Mr Fluffy is resolved in the ACT.
MR RATTENBURY (Molonglo) (10.23): I would also like to begin by recognising the Mr Fluffy home owners and residents who have come to the Assembly today for this important discussion. This has been a difficult time for you all, and I can only imagine how stressful it has been and how much it has disrupted the lives of so many people. I have read some of your stories that have been shared through the media and also in the impact statement of the Fluffy Owners and Residents Action Group, which will be tabled here in the Assembly today—your individual struggles and how this situation has impacted each of you uniquely and deeply. I know that the Canberra community is behind you, and our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
While this week’s announcement is a way forward, I acknowledge that there are still difficult times ahead. Sadly, the best advice we have points to the need to demolish affected homes. I appreciate the upheaval this will cause for home owners and residents, but I hope you do feel embraced by the community in seeking to support you through this difficult process.
I also understand that this is a difficult task to ask of somebody—to move out of the family home and leave behind the memories and the effort and love that go into creating a home for your family. It is a hard thing to do, but it is also the right thing to do. I understand that this solution may not suit every individual circumstance; however, given the scale of the situation, with over 1,000 homes affected, it is an extremely challenging issue. I hope that people consider the package put forward by the government to be a positive outcome for those who are in this situation.
I would like to acknowledge the Chief Minister and her genuine desire to act in the best interests of owners and residents. We have been left with a toxic legacy, and I believe the Chief Minister has done everything possible to get the best outcome for the people of Canberra. It is disappointing that the commonwealth really has done the absolute minimum, and could have done more to assist in this situation given the 50-year legacy that we the current generation have inherited.
But we must now do what we can to resolve the situation quickly and move forward. Our thoughts are with those in the community who face the difficult reality of saying goodbye to their homes. I hope that in the years ahead, they will find and make many new happy memories as they enter the next phase of their lives.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
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