Senator Kate Lundy today welcomed the news that Prime Minister Howard will tonight make an announcement on the future of the National Museum of Australia but reserved her final judgement until the project details were public.
“I welcome reports that John Howard will announce construction of the National Museum and deliver on his very unambiguous election commitment, although I am disappointed that it has taken seven months of lobbying to get it,” Senator Lundy said.
“A united campaign by Labor, the community and business has pushed the Howard Government into making a positive commitment to Canberra through the National Museum. John Howard’s statement for the ACT has come from intense pressure from Labor.
“I look forward to hear the Prime Minister’s statement on both Canberra and the Museum. There has been no indication as whether there will be private sector involvement into the Museum and the extent of this involvement. This will need to be scrutinised.
“I am also disappointed about the choice of Acton Peninsula as the museum site as I have always believed that Yarramundi is the best site. The choice of Acton conveniently gets Kate Carnell and the ACT Government off the hook in relation to the Kingston land swap.
“I call on the Prime Minister to release the Inquiry’s report and make the Committee’s deliberations public and open to scrutiny. While being pleased that money will be committed to the project, we still need to be vigilant about the character and quality of the Museum.
“I expect this evening’s statement by the Prime Minister will also attempt to address some of the issues raised in the petition that I am circulating in Canberra, such as regional business development and the need for a vision for Canberra’s role as the nation’s Capital. But like Kate Carnell’s strategy for the ACT released on Monday, I expect his statement will lack innovation and heartfelt commitment and will pander to the big end of corporate Canberra at the expense of small businesses,” Senator Lundy concluded.
For further comment call Senator Kate Lundy or Kym Connolly on 277 3334
