[Greens-Media] The future of Albert Hall

[Manderson, Roland]

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ACT GREENS MLA DEB FOSKEY MEDIA RELEASE
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6 June 07


The future of Albert Hall 

Deb Foskey, ACT Greens MLA, called on the ACT Government to put a stop
on its tender process for the private management and maintenance of
Albert Hall.

"The Opposition in the Assembly today moved a motion which supported my
attempts last week to get the ACT Government to put a halt on its tender
process for the management of Albert Hall" Dr Foskey said today.

"My motion called for the ACT Government to recognises the ongoing
community cultural value and the heritage of Albert Hall, to acknowledge
the importance of continued public ownership and community participation
in control of the Hall and to make community access and activity as the
primary use for the building."

"I welcome the Opposition's belated support today, and supported Mr
Pratt's motion which had the same intent as mine last week."

"The Government amendment acknowledged the significance of Albert Hall,
but did not commit to a transparent and comprehensive process."

"I am particularly opposed to plans to require the business winning the
tender to make capital investment in maintenance of the Hall.  Albert
Hall will be de facto part privatised, if that proceeds."

"The May 24 public meeting in Albert Hall made it clear that the
Canberra community wants its Hall to be restored and maintained for
community use." 

"Clearly, the NCA's plans for the site and the ACT Government's plans
for the management and maintenance of the Hall need to be sorted out in
a public, transparent process; and ongoing management needs to have room
for community input."

 "The ACT Government, at the very least, should put a hold on the tender
process until such an open process is concluded" said Dr Foskey.


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Roland Manderson   Media Advisor
ACT   Greens    MLA  Deb  Foskey  
Legislative Assembly for the ACT 
ph(02)62050551      m 0412241379
==== www.act.greens.org.au ===== 
  
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