Page 998 - Week 03 - Thursday, 22 March 2018
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seemed a safe assumption that this would come to the final design. Then the government decided that 15 stops had to be reduced to 13, one can only assume to fit the marketing propaganda of this government rather than the needs and wants of the community. Government may fall back on their usual excuse about public consultation, but how can this be the case when businesses in Mitchell report that no-one has consulted with them? The government can use the excuse of fancy online surveys, and they can employ consultants, but nothing beats walking the streets, knocking on doors and asking people direct questions.
I have been out in the electorate along with my colleagues the leader of the opposition and the shadow minister for small business. We have been pounding the pavement talking to businesses; we have been actively seeking their input; and we have been holding this government to account.
First, government told the businesses of Mitchell not to worry, that they had futureproofed for a light rail stop in Mitchell. Then they told the community that it was highly likely that a stop would be constructed, but without giving a definite time commitment. Now the government are saying that they are committed to opening a light rail stop in Mitchell at the earliest opportunity. What does that exactly mean?
Madam Speaker, this is just political spin and reactive decision-making by a government that is out of touch. The government continues to insult the businesses of Mitchell by refusing to commit to when this stop will be constructed. Knowing this government, it will probably be when construction is finally complete and the area starts to recover from the disruption. Then the businesses of Yerrabi will have to endure more construction, more roads being ripped up, more traffic diversions and temporary parking, more dust and more dirt, more trucks and more noise. The long-term effects of this loss of trade and the impact this will have on the sustainability of the area are issues this government just does not seem to care about.
These are real businesses, real families and real individuals. The government’s refusal to provide meaningful support to businesses and their disregard of the impact this has had are shameful. My commitment to the businesses of Yerrabi is that we will keep up the pressure, we will continue to highlight the issues, we will listen and we will act on their concerns.
Greyhound racing—government policy
MR PARTON (Brindabella) (5.07): Thank you, Madam Speaker, and well done on surviving today; I know it has been tough for you as well.
I rise to pay tribute to the courage of the local greyhound racing community as they edge closer to this heartless and absurd ban concocted by the Communist coalition. We are a little over a month away from B-day. Although there are still plenty of legal fishing lines in the water, although I believe that community values will win in the end, it is a tough time for those in the industry.
There are individuals facing enormous distress. I must say that many in the industry have come together to give them support and strength in this time of need. I still have
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