Page 115 - Week 01 - Wednesday, 11 February 2015
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Mr Coe: Get the tram to Tuggeranong.
MADAM ASSISTANT SPEAKER: Order!
DR BOURKE: Mr Coe, who is interjecting, has absolutely no idea. His plan is to turn Northbourne Avenue into a car park full of Audis every morning. But what would a move of Immigration from Belconnen mean—
Opposition members interjecting—
MADAM ASSISTANT SPEAKER: Order, members! I am trying to listen to Dr Bourke.
DR BOURKE: for the people working in the department? Here are some of the stories from residents and workers that I have received.
Mr Coe interjecting—
MADAM ASSISTANT SPEAKER: Mr Coe, please stop speaking across the chamber.
DR BOURKE: One person said:
I raised my children here and watched them secure jobs within the precinct and they too are now raising their own families here. I want the same level of opportunity for the next generations to grow and prosper, but that is now at risk if the largest industry in the area moves out.
Another said:
We rely on affordable childcare in the local area. Our kids are happy and the proximity from the workplace is ideal for our family. With places at a premium, where will I find a new placement for my kids?
Another said:
I walk to work so my partner can shuttle the kids around our local schools and take them to and from after school activities. If I’m forced to move away from Belconnen we’d need a second vehicle or have to rely on a two hour bus trip.
Another, who lives in Belconnen and drops her children at school in Gungahlin, said:
To collect my children I would need to leave earlier on my pick up day. I already work variable hours to accommodate these times. If Immigration moved I would need to amend my hours, which would result in loss of pay but I would need to pay more for petrol and expensive parking. The other issue is small business. My friend owns one of the cafes that is frequented by Immigration staff and the impact to them with the loss of business would be devastating.
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