Tourism Proposal Dismissed

Leader of the Opposition, Jodeen Carney was appalled at the Chief Minister's knee jerk reaction to Senator Scullion's proposal to revisit a 'Cannonball run' style event in the Territory.

"Senator Scullion has put an idea on the table that has merit, and it should be fully considered before making a decision,” Ms Carney said.

"It appears as though if an idea comes from the Country Liberal Party, Ms Martin won't look its merit. What a ridiculously self-centred way of running any Government.

"If we are going to continue to create economic opportunities for Territorians and not just rest on the heels of past administrations, then we must look creatively at opportunities available to us,” Ms Carney said.

"A detailed analysis and assessment is what Clare Martin should have committed to, instead of just dismissing it. Her immediate dismissal of the concept suggests that she just makes things up on the run”, Ms Carney said.

"Here is potentially another massive money spinner for the Territory and the Chief Minister knocks it on the head before she lets her colleagues, let alone other Territorians, even start to talk about it. It smacks of arrogance,” Ms Carney said.

Ms Carney said that like any major event a considerable amount of planning would be required, and that this goes hand in hand with consultation on how to make the event both safe and enjoyable.

"There are of course a number of matters that would have to be considered, such as safety, timing, the format for the event, and possibly even the name of the event. However to dismiss it out of hand, as Ms Martin did this morning, is very short-sighted and not in the best interests of the Territory.

"An event based on the original Cannonball Run idea would provide an opportunity to showcase the Territory and a boost for tourism. Why is the Chief Minister not even prepared to consider it?” Ms Carney said.

2006-07-31