Page 1522 - Week 05 - Wednesday, 4 May 2016
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In the context of the speech, I spoke about the statement of ambition that we launched at that time, I spoke about a number of senior Canberrans who had been involved in the development of that statement of ambition, and I spoke about it being the key document that I would use to promote Canberra to the world. I spoke about our ambition and our advantage.
I particularly acknowledged at the start of the speech the attendance of the leaders of our higher education sector, and I paid particular tribute to a senior Canberran who left his post just this week. We had a farewell for him. I refer to Professor Stephen Parker, who I think now comes under the definition that Mr Doszpot has put forward: a senior Canberran.
I acknowledged the significant contribution that Professor Parker has made to this city over an extended period of time. I think it is a little unfair to suggest that my comments in the state of the territory address were in any way ageist or in fact in any way neglected any sector of the ACT. In fact, I spoke about all people. I spoke about the advantage that our city has; I spoke about the need to grow our higher education sector; and I said—and I repeat—that I believe a strong and ambitious higher education sector benefits everyone.
Mr Doszpot: Which I complimented you on.
MR BARR: Thank you. I acknowledged the vision and hard work of Professor Stephen Parker. This is what I said:
I can’t emphasise this too strongly: to win as a city, we must win people.
In today’s highly mobile world, simply being the seat of Government isn’t enough to attract the world’s best and brightest any more.
We need to offer the lifestyle, event and housing options that people want.
We are already the world’s most liveable city, so we start with a significant advantage.
I was asked in the question session afterwards how I viewed the ageing of the population, how that would fit within the context of attraction and retention of people and what that would mean for Canberra’s future. I made the observation that one of the contributing factors in my view to the reason that Canberra has one of the fastest growing populations over 65, as Mr Doszpot has incorrectly alluded to in his motion, is that people are choosing to stay in Canberra. That has been one of the great things about the city turning 100.
Mr Coe: What a burden!
MR BARR: No, I never said that.
MADAM ASSISTANT SPEAKER: No need to respond across the chamber.
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