Page 3579 - Week 09 - Thursday, 23 August 2018

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Garran Primary School has a long history of running this science fair, and it was an absolute privilege to see some of the projects. I had an opportunity to look at a solar powered oven that a lovely young boy had made in year 2. He had baked s’mores for him and his sister. His sister’s project was also of high standard.

For me, there were many highlights at the fair. There was a young year 6 woman who had done amazing work by providing a working heart. She had put in the oxygenated blood and the deoxygenated blood. She sat and gave me a presentation about how the heart works and what it does for the circulatory system. She got every name of every artery and all of the valves. She even described why we get the ba-doomp sound. She told me which part made which noise.

It was quite astounding to see the work that these students put into their projects and their science fair. Of course, it would not be possible without the government’s investment in STEM education.

In the 2018-19 budget that was passed today, the government announced that $5.19 million will be allocated over four years to establish the academy of future skills, which will assist children like those at Garran Primary School who have a passion and a flare for science, technology, engineering and maths. I look forward to next year’s Garran science festival and to hearing the winner of the people’s choice award for the projects that they worked so hard on.

Budget—Brindabella electorate

MR GENTLEMAN (Brindabella—Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Environment and Heritage, Minister for Planning and Land Management and Minister for Urban Renewal) (4.45): I am pleased to be part of a government that has delivered a fair and balanced budget for the ACT. The budget ensures that all Canberrans have continued access to services that provide support for our growing city.

My electorate of Brindabella will benefit directly from these services, including upgrades to the Tuggeranong town centre and emergency service facilities. These initiatives are part of the government’s commitment to grow services for our growing city.

The abolition of stamp duty for first homebuyers is a key to helping first homebuyers establish themselves and their families in our city and helping grow the ACT into the future.

The suburbs of Tuggeranong will benefit from $10 million in funding for tidier suburbs, including mowing, weeding and cleaning up of waterways. Funding for improving school facilities will help to support Tuggeranong as part of the $3.2 million budgeted for ongoing support of local libraries and a key community hub and education facility.


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