During the Senate debate which saw the Griffin Legacy amendments predictably survive an attempt by the Greens to disallow them, Liberal Senator and former Minister for Territories Ian McDonald described Canberra as having a “dead heart”.
I condemn the Senator for this arrogant and inaccurate description of Canberra and call on him to apologise to the people of Canberra for this insult.
Senator McDonald made the comment as part of the Howard Government’s reasons the Griffin Legacy Amendments to the National Capital Plan were necessary. He is wrong.
Canberra is a wonderful, warm and vibrant city and I am disappointed that this debate about a positive step forward for planning for the Nation’s Capital has been marred by this disgraceful comment by a member of the Howard Government.
Labor supported the Griffin Legacy amendments because they provide an important and overdue framework and vision for planning in the central region of Canberra and have attracted broad, in-principle support, including the support of the democratically elected ACT Government.
The four amendments, 56,59,60 and 61 provide future direction for long term planning in the City Hill, West Basin and Constitution Avenue and surrounding areas.
I am confident that concerns expressed about the impact of the Amendments can be addressed in subsequent development controls.
Contact: Rachel Allen 6230 0411 or 0418 488 295
