❓ The Minister for Culture and the Arts provides an update on the completed Albany Entertainment Centre, addressing concerns about its management and confirming government support for its operation until the City of Albany assumes responsibility. The exchange includes political sparring regarding the project's history and funding.
AnsweredQoN 539Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
ALBANY ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE
There has been some strong local media interest in Albany Entertainment Centre, which was left in shambles by the previous government. Can the minister provide an update on the progress of the construction of Albany Entertainment Centre and information on how the government plans to manage this facility? Mr J.H.D. DAY
There has been some strong local media interest in Albany Entertainment Centre, which was left in shambles by the previous government. Can the minister provide an update on the progress of the construction of Albany Entertainment Centre and information on how the government plans to manage this facility? Mr J.H.D. DAY
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for the question. I am very happy to provide an update on the construction of Albany Entertainment Centre, which was completed early this month. Handover, as I understand it, has now occurred. I think most members are aware that the entertainment centre has been an approximately $70 million project. Mr P.B. Watson : It cost $68 million. Mr J.H.D. DAY : It is approximately $70 million. I can understand why the member for Albany might be a little sensitive about this question, given the legacy of the previous government. I had the opportunity of visiting the entertainment centre in July; it is a very impressive facility. It will certainly provide a lot of opportunities for major performing arts events to be attracted to Albany and the Great Southern region. It is certainly a very impressive building with a 620-seat main theatre and a flexible 200-seat studio space located on the Albany waterfront, adjacent to the Anzac Peace Park. In 2007 the previous government announced a funding commitment for the construction of the centre, with the intention that ownership of the centre would be handed over to the City of Albany upon completion of the project. That was the agreement put in place, but earlier this year, in February, the City of Albany raised concerns over its ability to manage and fund the venue. Mr P.B. Watson : That chief executive officer has since been sacked. Mr J.H.D. DAY : Does the member think it was appropriate that he left? Mr P.B. Watson : He made a statement that was wrong, and the previous CEO sued the city over the comments he made. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The reality is that the City of Albany raised concerns over its ability to manage and fund the venue during its first two years of operation. Mr P.B. Watson : You’ve got no idea! The SPEAKER : Member for Albany! Mr P.B. Watson : You’ve got no idea what’s happening! The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. Member for Albany, my impression is that the Minister for Culture and the Arts gave you the opportunity to make an interjection, to which he responded. The minister has the call; you do not have the call. I am formally going to call you to order for the first time today. The minister has the call. Mr J.H.D. DAY : Earlier this year the City of Albany came to the conclusion that it would be unable to operate and manage the centre during its first two years of operation and called on the Liberal–National government to step in and assist. Mr P.B. Watson : That’s because the Minister for Local Government sat on his backside! Mr J.H.D. DAY : And, indeed, this government has decided to assist in that way. I acknowledge the role of the member for Vasse as former Treasurer for taking some initiative and attempting to find a solution to this problem earlier this year. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The government has committed to undertake the operation and management of the venue over the next two years until 30 June 2012. That will be made possible through the allocation of $3.96 million over that period so that the venue will be managed by the Perth Theatre Trust and through its contractor AEG Ogden. I think that all members would be aware that the Perth Theatre Trust has a strong record of managing some of this state’s premier performing arts venues, including His Majesty’s Theatre, the Perth Concert Hall and the soon-to-be-completed State Theatre Centre of Western Australia. Management of the building will be undertaken in consultation with the City of Albany to ensure that it is in a position to take ownership of the venue from 1 July 2012. In addition, the city will be expected to contribute to the operation of the venue and be responsible for the costs of the opening event and any additional capital or equipment costs for the building. As I mentioned, the construction of the centre was completed earlier this month and the official opening is expected to occur in December this year. However, as was announced in Kalgoorlie a couple of weeks ago, there will be a simulcast of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance at the Perth Concert Hall on 14 November to eight centres around the state, including Albany Entertainment Centre. I am sure that despite the history of this project, Albany Entertainment Centre will be a very high standard, impressive facility for residents of Albany and the Great Southern that will assist in attracting some high-standard events to Albany over the next two years. I hope that over that time the City of Albany will be able to put itself in a position to put funds aside into a reserve or whatever it needs to do so that it can manage the centre from 1 July 2012. We expect, and, in fact, intend, that AEG Ogden and the Perth Theatre Trust will continue to play a strong role probably for another two years past that time, but we also intend that it will be the financial responsibility of the City of Albany after then.
Mr J.H.D. DAY replied: I thank the member for the question. I am very happy to provide an update on the construction of Albany Entertainment Centre, which was completed early this month. Handover, as I understand it, has now occurred. I think most members are aware that the entertainment centre has been an approximately $70 million project. Mr P.B. Watson : It cost $68 million. Mr J.H.D. DAY : It is approximately $70 million. I can understand why the member for Albany might be a little sensitive about this question, given the legacy of the previous government. I had the opportunity of visiting the entertainment centre in July; it is a very impressive facility. It will certainly provide a lot of opportunities for major performing arts events to be attracted to Albany and the Great Southern region. It is certainly a very impressive building with a 620-seat main theatre and a flexible 200-seat studio space located on the Albany waterfront, adjacent to the Anzac Peace Park. In 2007 the previous government announced a funding commitment for the construction of the centre, with the intention that ownership of the centre would be handed over to the City of Albany upon completion of the project. That was the agreement put in place, but earlier this year, in February, the City of Albany raised concerns over its ability to manage and fund the venue. Mr P.B. Watson : That chief executive officer has since been sacked. Mr J.H.D. DAY : Does the member think it was appropriate that he left? Mr P.B. Watson : He made a statement that was wrong, and the previous CEO sued the city over the comments he made. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The reality is that the City of Albany raised concerns over its ability to manage and fund the venue during its first two years of operation. Mr P.B. Watson : You’ve got no idea! The SPEAKER : Member for Albany! Mr P.B. Watson : You’ve got no idea what’s happening! The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. Member for Albany, my impression is that the Minister for Culture and the Arts gave you the opportunity to make an interjection, to which he responded. The minister has the call; you do not have the call. I am formally going to call you to order for the first time today. The minister has the call. Mr J.H.D. DAY : Earlier this year the City of Albany came to the conclusion that it would be unable to operate and manage the centre during its first two years of operation and called on the Liberal–National government to step in and assist. Mr P.B. Watson : That’s because the Minister for Local Government sat on his backside! Mr J.H.D. DAY : And, indeed, this government has decided to assist in that way. I acknowledge the role of the member for Vasse as former Treasurer for taking some initiative and attempting to find a solution to this problem earlier this year. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The government has committed to undertake the operation and management of the venue over the next two years until 30 June 2012. That will be made possible through the allocation of $3.96 million over that period so that the venue will be managed by the Perth Theatre Trust and through its contractor AEG Ogden. I think that all members would be aware that the Perth Theatre Trust has a strong record of managing some of this state’s premier performing arts venues, including His Majesty’s Theatre, the Perth Concert Hall and the soon-to-be-completed State Theatre Centre of Western Australia. Management of the building will be undertaken in consultation with the City of Albany to ensure that it is in a position to take ownership of the venue from 1 July 2012. In addition, the city will be expected to contribute to the operation of the venue and be responsible for the costs of the opening event and any additional capital or equipment costs for the building. As I mentioned, the construction of the centre was completed earlier this month and the official opening is expected to occur in December this year. However, as was announced in Kalgoorlie a couple of weeks ago, there will be a simulcast of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance at the Perth Concert Hall on 14 November to eight centres around the state, including Albany Entertainment Centre. I am sure that despite the history of this project, Albany Entertainment Centre will be a very high standard, impressive facility for residents of Albany and the Great Southern that will assist in attracting some high-standard events to Albany over the next two years. I hope that over that time the City of Albany will be able to put itself in a position to put funds aside into a reserve or whatever it needs to do so that it can manage the centre from 1 July 2012. We expect, and, in fact, intend, that AEG Ogden and the Perth Theatre Trust will continue to play a strong role probably for another two years past that time, but we also intend that it will be the financial responsibility of the City of Albany after then.
I thank the member for the question. I am very happy to provide an update on the construction of Albany Entertainment Centre, which was completed early this month. Handover, as I understand it, has now occurred. I think most members are aware that the entertainment centre has been an approximately $70 million project. Mr P.B. Watson : It cost $68 million. Mr J.H.D. DAY : It is approximately $70 million. I can understand why the member for Albany might be a little sensitive about this question, given the legacy of the previous government. I had the opportunity of visiting the entertainment centre in July; it is a very impressive facility. It will certainly provide a lot of opportunities for major performing arts events to be attracted to Albany and the Great Southern region. It is certainly a very impressive building with a 620-seat main theatre and a flexible 200-seat studio space located on the Albany waterfront, adjacent to the Anzac Peace Park. In 2007 the previous government announced a funding commitment for the construction of the centre, with the intention that ownership of the centre would be handed over to the City of Albany upon completion of the project. That was the agreement put in place, but earlier this year, in February, the City of Albany raised concerns over its ability to manage and fund the venue. Mr P.B. Watson : That chief executive officer has since been sacked. Mr J.H.D. DAY : Does the member think it was appropriate that he left? Mr P.B. Watson : He made a statement that was wrong, and the previous CEO sued the city over the comments he made. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The reality is that the City of Albany raised concerns over its ability to manage and fund the venue during its first two years of operation. Mr P.B. Watson : You’ve got no idea! The SPEAKER : Member for Albany! Mr P.B. Watson : You’ve got no idea what’s happening! The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. Member for Albany, my impression is that the Minister for Culture and the Arts gave you the opportunity to make an interjection, to which he responded. The minister has the call; you do not have the call. I am formally going to call you to order for the first time today. The minister has the call. Mr J.H.D. DAY : Earlier this year the City of Albany came to the conclusion that it would be unable to operate and manage the centre during its first two years of operation and called on the Liberal–National government to step in and assist. Mr P.B. Watson : That’s because the Minister for Local Government sat on his backside! Mr J.H.D. DAY : And, indeed, this government has decided to assist in that way. I acknowledge the role of the member for Vasse as former Treasurer for taking some initiative and attempting to find a solution to this problem earlier this year. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The government has committed to undertake the operation and management of the venue over the next two years until 30 June 2012. That will be made possible through the allocation of $3.96 million over that period so that the venue will be managed by the Perth Theatre Trust and through its contractor AEG Ogden. I think that all members would be aware that the Perth Theatre Trust has a strong record of managing some of this state’s premier performing arts venues, including His Majesty’s Theatre, the Perth Concert Hall and the soon-to-be-completed State Theatre Centre of Western Australia. Management of the building will be undertaken in consultation with the City of Albany to ensure that it is in a position to take ownership of the venue from 1 July 2012. In addition, the city will be expected to contribute to the operation of the venue and be responsible for the costs of the opening event and any additional capital or equipment costs for the building. As I mentioned, the construction of the centre was completed earlier this month and the official opening is expected to occur in December this year. However, as was announced in Kalgoorlie a couple of weeks ago, there will be a simulcast of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance at the Perth Concert Hall on 14 November to eight centres around the state, including Albany Entertainment Centre. I am sure that despite the history of this project, Albany Entertainment Centre will be a very high standard, impressive facility for residents of Albany and the Great Southern that will assist in attracting some high-standard events to Albany over the next two years. I hope that over that time the City of Albany will be able to put itself in a position to put funds aside into a reserve or whatever it needs to do so that it can manage the centre from 1 July 2012. We expect, and, in fact, intend, that AEG Ogden and the Perth Theatre Trust will continue to play a strong role probably for another two years past that time, but we also intend that it will be the financial responsibility of the City of Albany after then.
Mr P.B. Watson : It cost $68 million. Mr J.H.D. DAY : It is approximately $70 million. I can understand why the member for Albany might be a little sensitive about this question, given the legacy of the previous government. I had the opportunity of visiting the entertainment centre in July; it is a very impressive facility. It will certainly provide a lot of opportunities for major performing arts events to be attracted to Albany and the Great Southern region. It is certainly a very impressive building with a 620-seat main theatre and a flexible 200-seat studio space located on the Albany waterfront, adjacent to the Anzac Peace Park. In 2007 the previous government announced a funding commitment for the construction of the centre, with the intention that ownership of the centre would be handed over to the City of Albany upon completion of the project. That was the agreement put in place, but earlier this year, in February, the City of Albany raised concerns over its ability to manage and fund the venue. Mr P.B. Watson : That chief executive officer has since been sacked. Mr J.H.D. DAY : Does the member think it was appropriate that he left? Mr P.B. Watson : He made a statement that was wrong, and the previous CEO sued the city over the comments he made. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The reality is that the City of Albany raised concerns over its ability to manage and fund the venue during its first two years of operation. Mr P.B. Watson : You’ve got no idea! The SPEAKER : Member for Albany! Mr P.B. Watson : You’ve got no idea what’s happening! The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. Member for Albany, my impression is that the Minister for Culture and the Arts gave you the opportunity to make an interjection, to which he responded. The minister has the call; you do not have the call. I am formally going to call you to order for the first time today. The minister has the call. Mr J.H.D. DAY : Earlier this year the City of Albany came to the conclusion that it would be unable to operate and manage the centre during its first two years of operation and called on the Liberal–National government to step in and assist. Mr P.B. Watson : That’s because the Minister for Local Government sat on his backside! Mr J.H.D. DAY : And, indeed, this government has decided to assist in that way. I acknowledge the role of the member for Vasse as former Treasurer for taking some initiative and attempting to find a solution to this problem earlier this year. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The government has committed to undertake the operation and management of the venue over the next two years until 30 June 2012. That will be made possible through the allocation of $3.96 million over that period so that the venue will be managed by the Perth Theatre Trust and through its contractor AEG Ogden. I think that all members would be aware that the Perth Theatre Trust has a strong record of managing some of this state’s premier performing arts venues, including His Majesty’s Theatre, the Perth Concert Hall and the soon-to-be-completed State Theatre Centre of Western Australia. Management of the building will be undertaken in consultation with the City of Albany to ensure that it is in a position to take ownership of the venue from 1 July 2012. In addition, the city will be expected to contribute to the operation of the venue and be responsible for the costs of the opening event and any additional capital or equipment costs for the building. As I mentioned, the construction of the centre was completed earlier this month and the official opening is expected to occur in December this year. However, as was announced in Kalgoorlie a couple of weeks ago, there will be a simulcast of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance at the Perth Concert Hall on 14 November to eight centres around the state, including Albany Entertainment Centre. I am sure that despite the history of this project, Albany Entertainment Centre will be a very high standard, impressive facility for residents of Albany and the Great Southern that will assist in attracting some high-standard events to Albany over the next two years. I hope that over that time the City of Albany will be able to put itself in a position to put funds aside into a reserve or whatever it needs to do so that it can manage the centre from 1 July 2012. We expect, and, in fact, intend, that AEG Ogden and the Perth Theatre Trust will continue to play a strong role probably for another two years past that time, but we also intend that it will be the financial responsibility of the City of Albany after then.
Mr J.H.D. DAY : It is approximately $70 million. I can understand why the member for Albany might be a little sensitive about this question, given the legacy of the previous government. I had the opportunity of visiting the entertainment centre in July; it is a very impressive facility. It will certainly provide a lot of opportunities for major performing arts events to be attracted to Albany and the Great Southern region. It is certainly a very impressive building with a 620-seat main theatre and a flexible 200-seat studio space located on the Albany waterfront, adjacent to the Anzac Peace Park. In 2007 the previous government announced a funding commitment for the construction of the centre, with the intention that ownership of the centre would be handed over to the City of Albany upon completion of the project. That was the agreement put in place, but earlier this year, in February, the City of Albany raised concerns over its ability to manage and fund the venue. Mr P.B. Watson : That chief executive officer has since been sacked. Mr J.H.D. DAY : Does the member think it was appropriate that he left? Mr P.B. Watson : He made a statement that was wrong, and the previous CEO sued the city over the comments he made. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The reality is that the City of Albany raised concerns over its ability to manage and fund the venue during its first two years of operation. Mr P.B. Watson : You’ve got no idea! The SPEAKER : Member for Albany! Mr P.B. Watson : You’ve got no idea what’s happening! The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. Member for Albany, my impression is that the Minister for Culture and the Arts gave you the opportunity to make an interjection, to which he responded. The minister has the call; you do not have the call. I am formally going to call you to order for the first time today. The minister has the call. Mr J.H.D. DAY : Earlier this year the City of Albany came to the conclusion that it would be unable to operate and manage the centre during its first two years of operation and called on the Liberal–National government to step in and assist. Mr P.B. Watson : That’s because the Minister for Local Government sat on his backside! Mr J.H.D. DAY : And, indeed, this government has decided to assist in that way. I acknowledge the role of the member for Vasse as former Treasurer for taking some initiative and attempting to find a solution to this problem earlier this year. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The government has committed to undertake the operation and management of the venue over the next two years until 30 June 2012. That will be made possible through the allocation of $3.96 million over that period so that the venue will be managed by the Perth Theatre Trust and through its contractor AEG Ogden. I think that all members would be aware that the Perth Theatre Trust has a strong record of managing some of this state’s premier performing arts venues, including His Majesty’s Theatre, the Perth Concert Hall and the soon-to-be-completed State Theatre Centre of Western Australia. Management of the building will be undertaken in consultation with the City of Albany to ensure that it is in a position to take ownership of the venue from 1 July 2012. In addition, the city will be expected to contribute to the operation of the venue and be responsible for the costs of the opening event and any additional capital or equipment costs for the building. As I mentioned, the construction of the centre was completed earlier this month and the official opening is expected to occur in December this year. However, as was announced in Kalgoorlie a couple of weeks ago, there will be a simulcast of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance at the Perth Concert Hall on 14 November to eight centres around the state, including Albany Entertainment Centre. I am sure that despite the history of this project, Albany Entertainment Centre will be a very high standard, impressive facility for residents of Albany and the Great Southern that will assist in attracting some high-standard events to Albany over the next two years. I hope that over that time the City of Albany will be able to put itself in a position to put funds aside into a reserve or whatever it needs to do so that it can manage the centre from 1 July 2012. We expect, and, in fact, intend, that AEG Ogden and the Perth Theatre Trust will continue to play a strong role probably for another two years past that time, but we also intend that it will be the financial responsibility of the City of Albany after then.
I had the opportunity of visiting the entertainment centre in July; it is a very impressive facility. It will certainly provide a lot of opportunities for major performing arts events to be attracted to Albany and the Great Southern region. It is certainly a very impressive building with a 620-seat main theatre and a flexible 200-seat studio space located on the Albany waterfront, adjacent to the Anzac Peace Park. In 2007 the previous government announced a funding commitment for the construction of the centre, with the intention that ownership of the centre would be handed over to the City of Albany upon completion of the project. That was the agreement put in place, but earlier this year, in February, the City of Albany raised concerns over its ability to manage and fund the venue. Mr P.B. Watson : That chief executive officer has since been sacked. Mr J.H.D. DAY : Does the member think it was appropriate that he left? Mr P.B. Watson : He made a statement that was wrong, and the previous CEO sued the city over the comments he made. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The reality is that the City of Albany raised concerns over its ability to manage and fund the venue during its first two years of operation. Mr P.B. Watson : You’ve got no idea! The SPEAKER : Member for Albany! Mr P.B. Watson : You’ve got no idea what’s happening! The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. Member for Albany, my impression is that the Minister for Culture and the Arts gave you the opportunity to make an interjection, to which he responded. The minister has the call; you do not have the call. I am formally going to call you to order for the first time today. The minister has the call. Mr J.H.D. DAY : Earlier this year the City of Albany came to the conclusion that it would be unable to operate and manage the centre during its first two years of operation and called on the Liberal–National government to step in and assist. Mr P.B. Watson : That’s because the Minister for Local Government sat on his backside! Mr J.H.D. DAY : And, indeed, this government has decided to assist in that way. I acknowledge the role of the member for Vasse as former Treasurer for taking some initiative and attempting to find a solution to this problem earlier this year. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The government has committed to undertake the operation and management of the venue over the next two years until 30 June 2012. That will be made possible through the allocation of $3.96 million over that period so that the venue will be managed by the Perth Theatre Trust and through its contractor AEG Ogden. I think that all members would be aware that the Perth Theatre Trust has a strong record of managing some of this state’s premier performing arts venues, including His Majesty’s Theatre, the Perth Concert Hall and the soon-to-be-completed State Theatre Centre of Western Australia. Management of the building will be undertaken in consultation with the City of Albany to ensure that it is in a position to take ownership of the venue from 1 July 2012. In addition, the city will be expected to contribute to the operation of the venue and be responsible for the costs of the opening event and any additional capital or equipment costs for the building. As I mentioned, the construction of the centre was completed earlier this month and the official opening is expected to occur in December this year. However, as was announced in Kalgoorlie a couple of weeks ago, there will be a simulcast of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance at the Perth Concert Hall on 14 November to eight centres around the state, including Albany Entertainment Centre. I am sure that despite the history of this project, Albany Entertainment Centre will be a very high standard, impressive facility for residents of Albany and the Great Southern that will assist in attracting some high-standard events to Albany over the next two years. I hope that over that time the City of Albany will be able to put itself in a position to put funds aside into a reserve or whatever it needs to do so that it can manage the centre from 1 July 2012. We expect, and, in fact, intend, that AEG Ogden and the Perth Theatre Trust will continue to play a strong role probably for another two years past that time, but we also intend that it will be the financial responsibility of the City of Albany after then.
In 2007 the previous government announced a funding commitment for the construction of the centre, with the intention that ownership of the centre would be handed over to the City of Albany upon completion of the project. That was the agreement put in place, but earlier this year, in February, the City of Albany raised concerns over its ability to manage and fund the venue. Mr P.B. Watson : That chief executive officer has since been sacked. Mr J.H.D. DAY : Does the member think it was appropriate that he left? Mr P.B. Watson : He made a statement that was wrong, and the previous CEO sued the city over the comments he made. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The reality is that the City of Albany raised concerns over its ability to manage and fund the venue during its first two years of operation. Mr P.B. Watson : You’ve got no idea! The SPEAKER : Member for Albany! Mr P.B. Watson : You’ve got no idea what’s happening! The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. Member for Albany, my impression is that the Minister for Culture and the Arts gave you the opportunity to make an interjection, to which he responded. The minister has the call; you do not have the call. I am formally going to call you to order for the first time today. The minister has the call. Mr J.H.D. DAY : Earlier this year the City of Albany came to the conclusion that it would be unable to operate and manage the centre during its first two years of operation and called on the Liberal–National government to step in and assist. Mr P.B. Watson : That’s because the Minister for Local Government sat on his backside! Mr J.H.D. DAY : And, indeed, this government has decided to assist in that way. I acknowledge the role of the member for Vasse as former Treasurer for taking some initiative and attempting to find a solution to this problem earlier this year. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The government has committed to undertake the operation and management of the venue over the next two years until 30 June 2012. That will be made possible through the allocation of $3.96 million over that period so that the venue will be managed by the Perth Theatre Trust and through its contractor AEG Ogden. I think that all members would be aware that the Perth Theatre Trust has a strong record of managing some of this state’s premier performing arts venues, including His Majesty’s Theatre, the Perth Concert Hall and the soon-to-be-completed State Theatre Centre of Western Australia. Management of the building will be undertaken in consultation with the City of Albany to ensure that it is in a position to take ownership of the venue from 1 July 2012. In addition, the city will be expected to contribute to the operation of the venue and be responsible for the costs of the opening event and any additional capital or equipment costs for the building. As I mentioned, the construction of the centre was completed earlier this month and the official opening is expected to occur in December this year. However, as was announced in Kalgoorlie a couple of weeks ago, there will be a simulcast of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance at the Perth Concert Hall on 14 November to eight centres around the state, including Albany Entertainment Centre. I am sure that despite the history of this project, Albany Entertainment Centre will be a very high standard, impressive facility for residents of Albany and the Great Southern that will assist in attracting some high-standard events to Albany over the next two years. I hope that over that time the City of Albany will be able to put itself in a position to put funds aside into a reserve or whatever it needs to do so that it can manage the centre from 1 July 2012. We expect, and, in fact, intend, that AEG Ogden and the Perth Theatre Trust will continue to play a strong role probably for another two years past that time, but we also intend that it will be the financial responsibility of the City of Albany after then.
Mr P.B. Watson : That chief executive officer has since been sacked. Mr J.H.D. DAY : Does the member think it was appropriate that he left? Mr P.B. Watson : He made a statement that was wrong, and the previous CEO sued the city over the comments he made. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The reality is that the City of Albany raised concerns over its ability to manage and fund the venue during its first two years of operation. Mr P.B. Watson : You’ve got no idea! The SPEAKER : Member for Albany! Mr P.B. Watson : You’ve got no idea what’s happening! The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. Member for Albany, my impression is that the Minister for Culture and the Arts gave you the opportunity to make an interjection, to which he responded. The minister has the call; you do not have the call. I am formally going to call you to order for the first time today. The minister has the call. Mr J.H.D. DAY : Earlier this year the City of Albany came to the conclusion that it would be unable to operate and manage the centre during its first two years of operation and called on the Liberal–National government to step in and assist. Mr P.B. Watson : That’s because the Minister for Local Government sat on his backside! Mr J.H.D. DAY : And, indeed, this government has decided to assist in that way. I acknowledge the role of the member for Vasse as former Treasurer for taking some initiative and attempting to find a solution to this problem earlier this year. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The government has committed to undertake the operation and management of the venue over the next two years until 30 June 2012. That will be made possible through the allocation of $3.96 million over that period so that the venue will be managed by the Perth Theatre Trust and through its contractor AEG Ogden. I think that all members would be aware that the Perth Theatre Trust has a strong record of managing some of this state’s premier performing arts venues, including His Majesty’s Theatre, the Perth Concert Hall and the soon-to-be-completed State Theatre Centre of Western Australia. Management of the building will be undertaken in consultation with the City of Albany to ensure that it is in a position to take ownership of the venue from 1 July 2012. In addition, the city will be expected to contribute to the operation of the venue and be responsible for the costs of the opening event and any additional capital or equipment costs for the building. As I mentioned, the construction of the centre was completed earlier this month and the official opening is expected to occur in December this year. However, as was announced in Kalgoorlie a couple of weeks ago, there will be a simulcast of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance at the Perth Concert Hall on 14 November to eight centres around the state, including Albany Entertainment Centre. I am sure that despite the history of this project, Albany Entertainment Centre will be a very high standard, impressive facility for residents of Albany and the Great Southern that will assist in attracting some high-standard events to Albany over the next two years. I hope that over that time the City of Albany will be able to put itself in a position to put funds aside into a reserve or whatever it needs to do so that it can manage the centre from 1 July 2012. We expect, and, in fact, intend, that AEG Ogden and the Perth Theatre Trust will continue to play a strong role probably for another two years past that time, but we also intend that it will be the financial responsibility of the City of Albany after then.
Mr J.H.D. DAY : Does the member think it was appropriate that he left? Mr P.B. Watson : He made a statement that was wrong, and the previous CEO sued the city over the comments he made. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The reality is that the City of Albany raised concerns over its ability to manage and fund the venue during its first two years of operation. Mr P.B. Watson : You’ve got no idea! The SPEAKER : Member for Albany! Mr P.B. Watson : You’ve got no idea what’s happening! The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. Member for Albany, my impression is that the Minister for Culture and the Arts gave you the opportunity to make an interjection, to which he responded. The minister has the call; you do not have the call. I am formally going to call you to order for the first time today. The minister has the call. Mr J.H.D. DAY : Earlier this year the City of Albany came to the conclusion that it would be unable to operate and manage the centre during its first two years of operation and called on the Liberal–National government to step in and assist. Mr P.B. Watson : That’s because the Minister for Local Government sat on his backside! Mr J.H.D. DAY : And, indeed, this government has decided to assist in that way. I acknowledge the role of the member for Vasse as former Treasurer for taking some initiative and attempting to find a solution to this problem earlier this year. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The government has committed to undertake the operation and management of the venue over the next two years until 30 June 2012. That will be made possible through the allocation of $3.96 million over that period so that the venue will be managed by the Perth Theatre Trust and through its contractor AEG Ogden. I think that all members would be aware that the Perth Theatre Trust has a strong record of managing some of this state’s premier performing arts venues, including His Majesty’s Theatre, the Perth Concert Hall and the soon-to-be-completed State Theatre Centre of Western Australia. Management of the building will be undertaken in consultation with the City of Albany to ensure that it is in a position to take ownership of the venue from 1 July 2012. In addition, the city will be expected to contribute to the operation of the venue and be responsible for the costs of the opening event and any additional capital or equipment costs for the building. As I mentioned, the construction of the centre was completed earlier this month and the official opening is expected to occur in December this year. However, as was announced in Kalgoorlie a couple of weeks ago, there will be a simulcast of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance at the Perth Concert Hall on 14 November to eight centres around the state, including Albany Entertainment Centre. I am sure that despite the history of this project, Albany Entertainment Centre will be a very high standard, impressive facility for residents of Albany and the Great Southern that will assist in attracting some high-standard events to Albany over the next two years. I hope that over that time the City of Albany will be able to put itself in a position to put funds aside into a reserve or whatever it needs to do so that it can manage the centre from 1 July 2012. We expect, and, in fact, intend, that AEG Ogden and the Perth Theatre Trust will continue to play a strong role probably for another two years past that time, but we also intend that it will be the financial responsibility of the City of Albany after then.
Mr P.B. Watson : He made a statement that was wrong, and the previous CEO sued the city over the comments he made. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The reality is that the City of Albany raised concerns over its ability to manage and fund the venue during its first two years of operation. Mr P.B. Watson : You’ve got no idea! The SPEAKER : Member for Albany! Mr P.B. Watson : You’ve got no idea what’s happening! The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. Member for Albany, my impression is that the Minister for Culture and the Arts gave you the opportunity to make an interjection, to which he responded. The minister has the call; you do not have the call. I am formally going to call you to order for the first time today. The minister has the call. Mr J.H.D. DAY : Earlier this year the City of Albany came to the conclusion that it would be unable to operate and manage the centre during its first two years of operation and called on the Liberal–National government to step in and assist. Mr P.B. Watson : That’s because the Minister for Local Government sat on his backside! Mr J.H.D. DAY : And, indeed, this government has decided to assist in that way. I acknowledge the role of the member for Vasse as former Treasurer for taking some initiative and attempting to find a solution to this problem earlier this year. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The government has committed to undertake the operation and management of the venue over the next two years until 30 June 2012. That will be made possible through the allocation of $3.96 million over that period so that the venue will be managed by the Perth Theatre Trust and through its contractor AEG Ogden. I think that all members would be aware that the Perth Theatre Trust has a strong record of managing some of this state’s premier performing arts venues, including His Majesty’s Theatre, the Perth Concert Hall and the soon-to-be-completed State Theatre Centre of Western Australia. Management of the building will be undertaken in consultation with the City of Albany to ensure that it is in a position to take ownership of the venue from 1 July 2012. In addition, the city will be expected to contribute to the operation of the venue and be responsible for the costs of the opening event and any additional capital or equipment costs for the building. As I mentioned, the construction of the centre was completed earlier this month and the official opening is expected to occur in December this year. However, as was announced in Kalgoorlie a couple of weeks ago, there will be a simulcast of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance at the Perth Concert Hall on 14 November to eight centres around the state, including Albany Entertainment Centre. I am sure that despite the history of this project, Albany Entertainment Centre will be a very high standard, impressive facility for residents of Albany and the Great Southern that will assist in attracting some high-standard events to Albany over the next two years. I hope that over that time the City of Albany will be able to put itself in a position to put funds aside into a reserve or whatever it needs to do so that it can manage the centre from 1 July 2012. We expect, and, in fact, intend, that AEG Ogden and the Perth Theatre Trust will continue to play a strong role probably for another two years past that time, but we also intend that it will be the financial responsibility of the City of Albany after then.
The SPEAKER : Member for Albany! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The reality is that the City of Albany raised concerns over its ability to manage and fund the venue during its first two years of operation. Mr P.B. Watson : You’ve got no idea! The SPEAKER : Member for Albany! Mr P.B. Watson : You’ve got no idea what’s happening! The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. Member for Albany, my impression is that the Minister for Culture and the Arts gave you the opportunity to make an interjection, to which he responded. The minister has the call; you do not have the call. I am formally going to call you to order for the first time today. The minister has the call. Mr J.H.D. DAY : Earlier this year the City of Albany came to the conclusion that it would be unable to operate and manage the centre during its first two years of operation and called on the Liberal–National government to step in and assist. Mr P.B. Watson : That’s because the Minister for Local Government sat on his backside! Mr J.H.D. DAY : And, indeed, this government has decided to assist in that way. I acknowledge the role of the member for Vasse as former Treasurer for taking some initiative and attempting to find a solution to this problem earlier this year. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The government has committed to undertake the operation and management of the venue over the next two years until 30 June 2012. That will be made possible through the allocation of $3.96 million over that period so that the venue will be managed by the Perth Theatre Trust and through its contractor AEG Ogden. I think that all members would be aware that the Perth Theatre Trust has a strong record of managing some of this state’s premier performing arts venues, including His Majesty’s Theatre, the Perth Concert Hall and the soon-to-be-completed State Theatre Centre of Western Australia. Management of the building will be undertaken in consultation with the City of Albany to ensure that it is in a position to take ownership of the venue from 1 July 2012. In addition, the city will be expected to contribute to the operation of the venue and be responsible for the costs of the opening event and any additional capital or equipment costs for the building. As I mentioned, the construction of the centre was completed earlier this month and the official opening is expected to occur in December this year. However, as was announced in Kalgoorlie a couple of weeks ago, there will be a simulcast of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance at the Perth Concert Hall on 14 November to eight centres around the state, including Albany Entertainment Centre. I am sure that despite the history of this project, Albany Entertainment Centre will be a very high standard, impressive facility for residents of Albany and the Great Southern that will assist in attracting some high-standard events to Albany over the next two years. I hope that over that time the City of Albany will be able to put itself in a position to put funds aside into a reserve or whatever it needs to do so that it can manage the centre from 1 July 2012. We expect, and, in fact, intend, that AEG Ogden and the Perth Theatre Trust will continue to play a strong role probably for another two years past that time, but we also intend that it will be the financial responsibility of the City of Albany after then.
Mr J.H.D. DAY : The reality is that the City of Albany raised concerns over its ability to manage and fund the venue during its first two years of operation. Mr P.B. Watson : You’ve got no idea! The SPEAKER : Member for Albany! Mr P.B. Watson : You’ve got no idea what’s happening! The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. Member for Albany, my impression is that the Minister for Culture and the Arts gave you the opportunity to make an interjection, to which he responded. The minister has the call; you do not have the call. I am formally going to call you to order for the first time today. The minister has the call. Mr J.H.D. DAY : Earlier this year the City of Albany came to the conclusion that it would be unable to operate and manage the centre during its first two years of operation and called on the Liberal–National government to step in and assist. Mr P.B. Watson : That’s because the Minister for Local Government sat on his backside! Mr J.H.D. DAY : And, indeed, this government has decided to assist in that way. I acknowledge the role of the member for Vasse as former Treasurer for taking some initiative and attempting to find a solution to this problem earlier this year. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The government has committed to undertake the operation and management of the venue over the next two years until 30 June 2012. That will be made possible through the allocation of $3.96 million over that period so that the venue will be managed by the Perth Theatre Trust and through its contractor AEG Ogden. I think that all members would be aware that the Perth Theatre Trust has a strong record of managing some of this state’s premier performing arts venues, including His Majesty’s Theatre, the Perth Concert Hall and the soon-to-be-completed State Theatre Centre of Western Australia. Management of the building will be undertaken in consultation with the City of Albany to ensure that it is in a position to take ownership of the venue from 1 July 2012. In addition, the city will be expected to contribute to the operation of the venue and be responsible for the costs of the opening event and any additional capital or equipment costs for the building. As I mentioned, the construction of the centre was completed earlier this month and the official opening is expected to occur in December this year. However, as was announced in Kalgoorlie a couple of weeks ago, there will be a simulcast of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance at the Perth Concert Hall on 14 November to eight centres around the state, including Albany Entertainment Centre. I am sure that despite the history of this project, Albany Entertainment Centre will be a very high standard, impressive facility for residents of Albany and the Great Southern that will assist in attracting some high-standard events to Albany over the next two years. I hope that over that time the City of Albany will be able to put itself in a position to put funds aside into a reserve or whatever it needs to do so that it can manage the centre from 1 July 2012. We expect, and, in fact, intend, that AEG Ogden and the Perth Theatre Trust will continue to play a strong role probably for another two years past that time, but we also intend that it will be the financial responsibility of the City of Albany after then.
Mr P.B. Watson : You’ve got no idea! The SPEAKER : Member for Albany! Mr P.B. Watson : You’ve got no idea what’s happening! The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. Member for Albany, my impression is that the Minister for Culture and the Arts gave you the opportunity to make an interjection, to which he responded. The minister has the call; you do not have the call. I am formally going to call you to order for the first time today. The minister has the call. Mr J.H.D. DAY : Earlier this year the City of Albany came to the conclusion that it would be unable to operate and manage the centre during its first two years of operation and called on the Liberal–National government to step in and assist. Mr P.B. Watson : That’s because the Minister for Local Government sat on his backside! Mr J.H.D. DAY : And, indeed, this government has decided to assist in that way. I acknowledge the role of the member for Vasse as former Treasurer for taking some initiative and attempting to find a solution to this problem earlier this year. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The government has committed to undertake the operation and management of the venue over the next two years until 30 June 2012. That will be made possible through the allocation of $3.96 million over that period so that the venue will be managed by the Perth Theatre Trust and through its contractor AEG Ogden. I think that all members would be aware that the Perth Theatre Trust has a strong record of managing some of this state’s premier performing arts venues, including His Majesty’s Theatre, the Perth Concert Hall and the soon-to-be-completed State Theatre Centre of Western Australia. Management of the building will be undertaken in consultation with the City of Albany to ensure that it is in a position to take ownership of the venue from 1 July 2012. In addition, the city will be expected to contribute to the operation of the venue and be responsible for the costs of the opening event and any additional capital or equipment costs for the building. As I mentioned, the construction of the centre was completed earlier this month and the official opening is expected to occur in December this year. However, as was announced in Kalgoorlie a couple of weeks ago, there will be a simulcast of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance at the Perth Concert Hall on 14 November to eight centres around the state, including Albany Entertainment Centre. I am sure that despite the history of this project, Albany Entertainment Centre will be a very high standard, impressive facility for residents of Albany and the Great Southern that will assist in attracting some high-standard events to Albany over the next two years. I hope that over that time the City of Albany will be able to put itself in a position to put funds aside into a reserve or whatever it needs to do so that it can manage the centre from 1 July 2012. We expect, and, in fact, intend, that AEG Ogden and the Perth Theatre Trust will continue to play a strong role probably for another two years past that time, but we also intend that it will be the financial responsibility of the City of Albany after then.
The SPEAKER : Member for Albany! Mr P.B. Watson : You’ve got no idea what’s happening! The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. Member for Albany, my impression is that the Minister for Culture and the Arts gave you the opportunity to make an interjection, to which he responded. The minister has the call; you do not have the call. I am formally going to call you to order for the first time today. The minister has the call. Mr J.H.D. DAY : Earlier this year the City of Albany came to the conclusion that it would be unable to operate and manage the centre during its first two years of operation and called on the Liberal–National government to step in and assist. Mr P.B. Watson : That’s because the Minister for Local Government sat on his backside! Mr J.H.D. DAY : And, indeed, this government has decided to assist in that way. I acknowledge the role of the member for Vasse as former Treasurer for taking some initiative and attempting to find a solution to this problem earlier this year. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The government has committed to undertake the operation and management of the venue over the next two years until 30 June 2012. That will be made possible through the allocation of $3.96 million over that period so that the venue will be managed by the Perth Theatre Trust and through its contractor AEG Ogden. I think that all members would be aware that the Perth Theatre Trust has a strong record of managing some of this state’s premier performing arts venues, including His Majesty’s Theatre, the Perth Concert Hall and the soon-to-be-completed State Theatre Centre of Western Australia. Management of the building will be undertaken in consultation with the City of Albany to ensure that it is in a position to take ownership of the venue from 1 July 2012. In addition, the city will be expected to contribute to the operation of the venue and be responsible for the costs of the opening event and any additional capital or equipment costs for the building. As I mentioned, the construction of the centre was completed earlier this month and the official opening is expected to occur in December this year. However, as was announced in Kalgoorlie a couple of weeks ago, there will be a simulcast of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance at the Perth Concert Hall on 14 November to eight centres around the state, including Albany Entertainment Centre. I am sure that despite the history of this project, Albany Entertainment Centre will be a very high standard, impressive facility for residents of Albany and the Great Southern that will assist in attracting some high-standard events to Albany over the next two years. I hope that over that time the City of Albany will be able to put itself in a position to put funds aside into a reserve or whatever it needs to do so that it can manage the centre from 1 July 2012. We expect, and, in fact, intend, that AEG Ogden and the Perth Theatre Trust will continue to play a strong role probably for another two years past that time, but we also intend that it will be the financial responsibility of the City of Albany after then.
Mr P.B. Watson : You’ve got no idea what’s happening! The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. Member for Albany, my impression is that the Minister for Culture and the Arts gave you the opportunity to make an interjection, to which he responded. The minister has the call; you do not have the call. I am formally going to call you to order for the first time today. The minister has the call. Mr J.H.D. DAY : Earlier this year the City of Albany came to the conclusion that it would be unable to operate and manage the centre during its first two years of operation and called on the Liberal–National government to step in and assist. Mr P.B. Watson : That’s because the Minister for Local Government sat on his backside! Mr J.H.D. DAY : And, indeed, this government has decided to assist in that way. I acknowledge the role of the member for Vasse as former Treasurer for taking some initiative and attempting to find a solution to this problem earlier this year. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The government has committed to undertake the operation and management of the venue over the next two years until 30 June 2012. That will be made possible through the allocation of $3.96 million over that period so that the venue will be managed by the Perth Theatre Trust and through its contractor AEG Ogden. I think that all members would be aware that the Perth Theatre Trust has a strong record of managing some of this state’s premier performing arts venues, including His Majesty’s Theatre, the Perth Concert Hall and the soon-to-be-completed State Theatre Centre of Western Australia. Management of the building will be undertaken in consultation with the City of Albany to ensure that it is in a position to take ownership of the venue from 1 July 2012. In addition, the city will be expected to contribute to the operation of the venue and be responsible for the costs of the opening event and any additional capital or equipment costs for the building. As I mentioned, the construction of the centre was completed earlier this month and the official opening is expected to occur in December this year. However, as was announced in Kalgoorlie a couple of weeks ago, there will be a simulcast of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance at the Perth Concert Hall on 14 November to eight centres around the state, including Albany Entertainment Centre. I am sure that despite the history of this project, Albany Entertainment Centre will be a very high standard, impressive facility for residents of Albany and the Great Southern that will assist in attracting some high-standard events to Albany over the next two years. I hope that over that time the City of Albany will be able to put itself in a position to put funds aside into a reserve or whatever it needs to do so that it can manage the centre from 1 July 2012. We expect, and, in fact, intend, that AEG Ogden and the Perth Theatre Trust will continue to play a strong role probably for another two years past that time, but we also intend that it will be the financial responsibility of the City of Albany after then.
The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. Member for Albany, my impression is that the Minister for Culture and the Arts gave you the opportunity to make an interjection, to which he responded. The minister has the call; you do not have the call. I am formally going to call you to order for the first time today. The minister has the call. Mr J.H.D. DAY : Earlier this year the City of Albany came to the conclusion that it would be unable to operate and manage the centre during its first two years of operation and called on the Liberal–National government to step in and assist. Mr P.B. Watson : That’s because the Minister for Local Government sat on his backside! Mr J.H.D. DAY : And, indeed, this government has decided to assist in that way. I acknowledge the role of the member for Vasse as former Treasurer for taking some initiative and attempting to find a solution to this problem earlier this year. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The government has committed to undertake the operation and management of the venue over the next two years until 30 June 2012. That will be made possible through the allocation of $3.96 million over that period so that the venue will be managed by the Perth Theatre Trust and through its contractor AEG Ogden. I think that all members would be aware that the Perth Theatre Trust has a strong record of managing some of this state’s premier performing arts venues, including His Majesty’s Theatre, the Perth Concert Hall and the soon-to-be-completed State Theatre Centre of Western Australia. Management of the building will be undertaken in consultation with the City of Albany to ensure that it is in a position to take ownership of the venue from 1 July 2012. In addition, the city will be expected to contribute to the operation of the venue and be responsible for the costs of the opening event and any additional capital or equipment costs for the building. As I mentioned, the construction of the centre was completed earlier this month and the official opening is expected to occur in December this year. However, as was announced in Kalgoorlie a couple of weeks ago, there will be a simulcast of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance at the Perth Concert Hall on 14 November to eight centres around the state, including Albany Entertainment Centre. I am sure that despite the history of this project, Albany Entertainment Centre will be a very high standard, impressive facility for residents of Albany and the Great Southern that will assist in attracting some high-standard events to Albany over the next two years. I hope that over that time the City of Albany will be able to put itself in a position to put funds aside into a reserve or whatever it needs to do so that it can manage the centre from 1 July 2012. We expect, and, in fact, intend, that AEG Ogden and the Perth Theatre Trust will continue to play a strong role probably for another two years past that time, but we also intend that it will be the financial responsibility of the City of Albany after then.
Mr J.H.D. DAY : Earlier this year the City of Albany came to the conclusion that it would be unable to operate and manage the centre during its first two years of operation and called on the Liberal–National government to step in and assist. Mr P.B. Watson : That’s because the Minister for Local Government sat on his backside! Mr J.H.D. DAY : And, indeed, this government has decided to assist in that way. I acknowledge the role of the member for Vasse as former Treasurer for taking some initiative and attempting to find a solution to this problem earlier this year. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The government has committed to undertake the operation and management of the venue over the next two years until 30 June 2012. That will be made possible through the allocation of $3.96 million over that period so that the venue will be managed by the Perth Theatre Trust and through its contractor AEG Ogden. I think that all members would be aware that the Perth Theatre Trust has a strong record of managing some of this state’s premier performing arts venues, including His Majesty’s Theatre, the Perth Concert Hall and the soon-to-be-completed State Theatre Centre of Western Australia. Management of the building will be undertaken in consultation with the City of Albany to ensure that it is in a position to take ownership of the venue from 1 July 2012. In addition, the city will be expected to contribute to the operation of the venue and be responsible for the costs of the opening event and any additional capital or equipment costs for the building. As I mentioned, the construction of the centre was completed earlier this month and the official opening is expected to occur in December this year. However, as was announced in Kalgoorlie a couple of weeks ago, there will be a simulcast of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance at the Perth Concert Hall on 14 November to eight centres around the state, including Albany Entertainment Centre. I am sure that despite the history of this project, Albany Entertainment Centre will be a very high standard, impressive facility for residents of Albany and the Great Southern that will assist in attracting some high-standard events to Albany over the next two years. I hope that over that time the City of Albany will be able to put itself in a position to put funds aside into a reserve or whatever it needs to do so that it can manage the centre from 1 July 2012. We expect, and, in fact, intend, that AEG Ogden and the Perth Theatre Trust will continue to play a strong role probably for another two years past that time, but we also intend that it will be the financial responsibility of the City of Albany after then.
Mr P.B. Watson : That’s because the Minister for Local Government sat on his backside! Mr J.H.D. DAY : And, indeed, this government has decided to assist in that way. I acknowledge the role of the member for Vasse as former Treasurer for taking some initiative and attempting to find a solution to this problem earlier this year. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The government has committed to undertake the operation and management of the venue over the next two years until 30 June 2012. That will be made possible through the allocation of $3.96 million over that period so that the venue will be managed by the Perth Theatre Trust and through its contractor AEG Ogden. I think that all members would be aware that the Perth Theatre Trust has a strong record of managing some of this state’s premier performing arts venues, including His Majesty’s Theatre, the Perth Concert Hall and the soon-to-be-completed State Theatre Centre of Western Australia. Management of the building will be undertaken in consultation with the City of Albany to ensure that it is in a position to take ownership of the venue from 1 July 2012. In addition, the city will be expected to contribute to the operation of the venue and be responsible for the costs of the opening event and any additional capital or equipment costs for the building. As I mentioned, the construction of the centre was completed earlier this month and the official opening is expected to occur in December this year. However, as was announced in Kalgoorlie a couple of weeks ago, there will be a simulcast of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance at the Perth Concert Hall on 14 November to eight centres around the state, including Albany Entertainment Centre. I am sure that despite the history of this project, Albany Entertainment Centre will be a very high standard, impressive facility for residents of Albany and the Great Southern that will assist in attracting some high-standard events to Albany over the next two years. I hope that over that time the City of Albany will be able to put itself in a position to put funds aside into a reserve or whatever it needs to do so that it can manage the centre from 1 July 2012. We expect, and, in fact, intend, that AEG Ogden and the Perth Theatre Trust will continue to play a strong role probably for another two years past that time, but we also intend that it will be the financial responsibility of the City of Albany after then.
Mr J.H.D. DAY : And, indeed, this government has decided to assist in that way. I acknowledge the role of the member for Vasse as former Treasurer for taking some initiative and attempting to find a solution to this problem earlier this year. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The government has committed to undertake the operation and management of the venue over the next two years until 30 June 2012. That will be made possible through the allocation of $3.96 million over that period so that the venue will be managed by the Perth Theatre Trust and through its contractor AEG Ogden. I think that all members would be aware that the Perth Theatre Trust has a strong record of managing some of this state’s premier performing arts venues, including His Majesty’s Theatre, the Perth Concert Hall and the soon-to-be-completed State Theatre Centre of Western Australia. Management of the building will be undertaken in consultation with the City of Albany to ensure that it is in a position to take ownership of the venue from 1 July 2012. In addition, the city will be expected to contribute to the operation of the venue and be responsible for the costs of the opening event and any additional capital or equipment costs for the building. As I mentioned, the construction of the centre was completed earlier this month and the official opening is expected to occur in December this year. However, as was announced in Kalgoorlie a couple of weeks ago, there will be a simulcast of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance at the Perth Concert Hall on 14 November to eight centres around the state, including Albany Entertainment Centre. I am sure that despite the history of this project, Albany Entertainment Centre will be a very high standard, impressive facility for residents of Albany and the Great Southern that will assist in attracting some high-standard events to Albany over the next two years. I hope that over that time the City of Albany will be able to put itself in a position to put funds aside into a reserve or whatever it needs to do so that it can manage the centre from 1 July 2012. We expect, and, in fact, intend, that AEG Ogden and the Perth Theatre Trust will continue to play a strong role probably for another two years past that time, but we also intend that it will be the financial responsibility of the City of Albany after then.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The government has committed to undertake the operation and management of the venue over the next two years until 30 June 2012. That will be made possible through the allocation of $3.96 million over that period so that the venue will be managed by the Perth Theatre Trust and through its contractor AEG Ogden. I think that all members would be aware that the Perth Theatre Trust has a strong record of managing some of this state’s premier performing arts venues, including His Majesty’s Theatre, the Perth Concert Hall and the soon-to-be-completed State Theatre Centre of Western Australia. Management of the building will be undertaken in consultation with the City of Albany to ensure that it is in a position to take ownership of the venue from 1 July 2012. In addition, the city will be expected to contribute to the operation of the venue and be responsible for the costs of the opening event and any additional capital or equipment costs for the building. As I mentioned, the construction of the centre was completed earlier this month and the official opening is expected to occur in December this year. However, as was announced in Kalgoorlie a couple of weeks ago, there will be a simulcast of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance at the Perth Concert Hall on 14 November to eight centres around the state, including Albany Entertainment Centre. I am sure that despite the history of this project, Albany Entertainment Centre will be a very high standard, impressive facility for residents of Albany and the Great Southern that will assist in attracting some high-standard events to Albany over the next two years. I hope that over that time the City of Albany will be able to put itself in a position to put funds aside into a reserve or whatever it needs to do so that it can manage the centre from 1 July 2012. We expect, and, in fact, intend, that AEG Ogden and the Perth Theatre Trust will continue to play a strong role probably for another two years past that time, but we also intend that it will be the financial responsibility of the City of Albany after then.
The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The government has committed to undertake the operation and management of the venue over the next two years until 30 June 2012. That will be made possible through the allocation of $3.96 million over that period so that the venue will be managed by the Perth Theatre Trust and through its contractor AEG Ogden. I think that all members would be aware that the Perth Theatre Trust has a strong record of managing some of this state’s premier performing arts venues, including His Majesty’s Theatre, the Perth Concert Hall and the soon-to-be-completed State Theatre Centre of Western Australia. Management of the building will be undertaken in consultation with the City of Albany to ensure that it is in a position to take ownership of the venue from 1 July 2012. In addition, the city will be expected to contribute to the operation of the venue and be responsible for the costs of the opening event and any additional capital or equipment costs for the building. As I mentioned, the construction of the centre was completed earlier this month and the official opening is expected to occur in December this year. However, as was announced in Kalgoorlie a couple of weeks ago, there will be a simulcast of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance at the Perth Concert Hall on 14 November to eight centres around the state, including Albany Entertainment Centre. I am sure that despite the history of this project, Albany Entertainment Centre will be a very high standard, impressive facility for residents of Albany and the Great Southern that will assist in attracting some high-standard events to Albany over the next two years. I hope that over that time the City of Albany will be able to put itself in a position to put funds aside into a reserve or whatever it needs to do so that it can manage the centre from 1 July 2012. We expect, and, in fact, intend, that AEG Ogden and the Perth Theatre Trust will continue to play a strong role probably for another two years past that time, but we also intend that it will be the financial responsibility of the City of Albany after then.
Mr J.H.D. DAY : The government has committed to undertake the operation and management of the venue over the next two years until 30 June 2012. That will be made possible through the allocation of $3.96 million over that period so that the venue will be managed by the Perth Theatre Trust and through its contractor AEG Ogden. I think that all members would be aware that the Perth Theatre Trust has a strong record of managing some of this state’s premier performing arts venues, including His Majesty’s Theatre, the Perth Concert Hall and the soon-to-be-completed State Theatre Centre of Western Australia. Management of the building will be undertaken in consultation with the City of Albany to ensure that it is in a position to take ownership of the venue from 1 July 2012. In addition, the city will be expected to contribute to the operation of the venue and be responsible for the costs of the opening event and any additional capital or equipment costs for the building. As I mentioned, the construction of the centre was completed earlier this month and the official opening is expected to occur in December this year. However, as was announced in Kalgoorlie a couple of weeks ago, there will be a simulcast of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance at the Perth Concert Hall on 14 November to eight centres around the state, including Albany Entertainment Centre. I am sure that despite the history of this project, Albany Entertainment Centre will be a very high standard, impressive facility for residents of Albany and the Great Southern that will assist in attracting some high-standard events to Albany over the next two years. I hope that over that time the City of Albany will be able to put itself in a position to put funds aside into a reserve or whatever it needs to do so that it can manage the centre from 1 July 2012. We expect, and, in fact, intend, that AEG Ogden and the Perth Theatre Trust will continue to play a strong role probably for another two years past that time, but we also intend that it will be the financial responsibility of the City of Albany after then.
Management of the building will be undertaken in consultation with the City of Albany to ensure that it is in a position to take ownership of the venue from 1 July 2012. In addition, the city will be expected to contribute to the operation of the venue and be responsible for the costs of the opening event and any additional capital or equipment costs for the building. As I mentioned, the construction of the centre was completed earlier this month and the official opening is expected to occur in December this year. However, as was announced in Kalgoorlie a couple of weeks ago, there will be a simulcast of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance at the Perth Concert Hall on 14 November to eight centres around the state, including Albany Entertainment Centre. I am sure that despite the history of this project, Albany Entertainment Centre will be a very high standard, impressive facility for residents of Albany and the Great Southern that will assist in attracting some high-standard events to Albany over the next two years. I hope that over that time the City of Albany will be able to put itself in a position to put funds aside into a reserve or whatever it needs to do so that it can manage the centre from 1 July 2012. We expect, and, in fact, intend, that AEG Ogden and the Perth Theatre Trust will continue to play a strong role probably for another two years past that time, but we also intend that it will be the financial responsibility of the City of Albany after then.
As I mentioned, the construction of the centre was completed earlier this month and the official opening is expected to occur in December this year. However, as was announced in Kalgoorlie a couple of weeks ago, there will be a simulcast of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance at the Perth Concert Hall on 14 November to eight centres around the state, including Albany Entertainment Centre. I am sure that despite the history of this project, Albany Entertainment Centre will be a very high standard, impressive facility for residents of Albany and the Great Southern that will assist in attracting some high-standard events to Albany over the next two years. I hope that over that time the City of Albany will be able to put itself in a position to put funds aside into a reserve or whatever it needs to do so that it can manage the centre from 1 July 2012. We expect, and, in fact, intend, that AEG Ogden and the Perth Theatre Trust will continue to play a strong role probably for another two years past that time, but we also intend that it will be the financial responsibility of the City of Albany after then.
Mr J.H.D. DAY replied: I thank the member for the question. I am very happy to provide an update on the construction of Albany Entertainment Centre, which was completed early this month. Handover, as I understand it, has now occurred. I think most members are aware that the entertainment centre has been an approximately $70 million project. Mr P.B. Watson : It cost $68 million. Mr J.H.D. DAY : It is approximately $70 million. I can understand why the member for Albany might be a little sensitive about this question, given the legacy of the previous government. I had the opportunity of visiting the entertainment centre in July; it is a very impressive facility. It will certainly provide a lot of opportunities for major performing arts events to be attracted to Albany and the Great Southern region. It is certainly a very impressive building with a 620-seat main theatre and a flexible 200-seat studio space located on the Albany waterfront, adjacent to the Anzac Peace Park. In 2007 the previous government announced a funding commitment for the construction of the centre, with the intention that ownership of the centre would be handed over to the City of Albany upon completion of the project. That was the agreement put in place, but earlier this year, in February, the City of Albany raised concerns over its ability to manage and fund the venue. Mr P.B. Watson : That chief executive officer has since been sacked. Mr J.H.D. DAY : Does the member think it was appropriate that he left? Mr P.B. Watson : He made a statement that was wrong, and the previous CEO sued the city over the comments he made. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The reality is that the City of Albany raised concerns over its ability to manage and fund the venue during its first two years of operation. Mr P.B. Watson : You’ve got no idea! The SPEAKER : Member for Albany! Mr P.B. Watson : You’ve got no idea what’s happening! The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. Member for Albany, my impression is that the Minister for Culture and the Arts gave you the opportunity to make an interjection, to which he responded. The minister has the call; you do not have the call. I am formally going to call you to order for the first time today. The minister has the call. Mr J.H.D. DAY : Earlier this year the City of Albany came to the conclusion that it would be unable to operate and manage the centre during its first two years of operation and called on the Liberal–National government to step in and assist. Mr P.B. Watson : That’s because the Minister for Local Government sat on his backside! Mr J.H.D. DAY : And, indeed, this government has decided to assist in that way. I acknowledge the role of the member for Vasse as former Treasurer for taking some initiative and attempting to find a solution to this problem earlier this year. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The government has committed to undertake the operation and management of the venue over the next two years until 30 June 2012. That will be made possible through the allocation of $3.96 million over that period so that the venue will be managed by the Perth Theatre Trust and through its contractor AEG Ogden. I think that all members would be aware that the Perth Theatre Trust has a strong record of managing some of this state’s premier performing arts venues, including His Majesty’s Theatre, the Perth Concert Hall and the soon-to-be-completed State Theatre Centre of Western Australia. Management of the building will be undertaken in consultation with the City of Albany to ensure that it is in a position to take ownership of the venue from 1 July 2012. In addition, the city will be expected to contribute to the operation of the venue and be responsible for the costs of the opening event and any additional capital or equipment costs for the building. As I mentioned, the construction of the centre was completed earlier this month and the official opening is expected to occur in December this year. However, as was announced in Kalgoorlie a couple of weeks ago, there will be a simulcast of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance at the Perth Concert Hall on 14 November to eight centres around the state, including Albany Entertainment Centre. I am sure that despite the history of this project, Albany Entertainment Centre will be a very high standard, impressive facility for residents of Albany and the Great Southern that will assist in attracting some high-standard events to Albany over the next two years. I hope that over that time the City of Albany will be able to put itself in a position to put funds aside into a reserve or whatever it needs to do so that it can manage the centre from 1 July 2012. We expect, and, in fact, intend, that AEG Ogden and the Perth Theatre Trust will continue to play a strong role probably for another two years past that time, but we also intend that it will be the financial responsibility of the City of Albany after then.
I thank the member for the question. I am very happy to provide an update on the construction of Albany Entertainment Centre, which was completed early this month. Handover, as I understand it, has now occurred. I think most members are aware that the entertainment centre has been an approximately $70 million project. Mr P.B. Watson : It cost $68 million. Mr J.H.D. DAY : It is approximately $70 million. I can understand why the member for Albany might be a little sensitive about this question, given the legacy of the previous government. I had the opportunity of visiting the entertainment centre in July; it is a very impressive facility. It will certainly provide a lot of opportunities for major performing arts events to be attracted to Albany and the Great Southern region. It is certainly a very impressive building with a 620-seat main theatre and a flexible 200-seat studio space located on the Albany waterfront, adjacent to the Anzac Peace Park. In 2007 the previous government announced a funding commitment for the construction of the centre, with the intention that ownership of the centre would be handed over to the City of Albany upon completion of the project. That was the agreement put in place, but earlier this year, in February, the City of Albany raised concerns over its ability to manage and fund the venue. Mr P.B. Watson : That chief executive officer has since been sacked. Mr J.H.D. DAY : Does the member think it was appropriate that he left? Mr P.B. Watson : He made a statement that was wrong, and the previous CEO sued the city over the comments he made. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The reality is that the City of Albany raised concerns over its ability to manage and fund the venue during its first two years of operation. Mr P.B. Watson : You’ve got no idea! The SPEAKER : Member for Albany! Mr P.B. Watson : You’ve got no idea what’s happening! The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. Member for Albany, my impression is that the Minister for Culture and the Arts gave you the opportunity to make an interjection, to which he responded. The minister has the call; you do not have the call. I am formally going to call you to order for the first time today. The minister has the call. Mr J.H.D. DAY : Earlier this year the City of Albany came to the conclusion that it would be unable to operate and manage the centre during its first two years of operation and called on the Liberal–National government to step in and assist. Mr P.B. Watson : That’s because the Minister for Local Government sat on his backside! Mr J.H.D. DAY : And, indeed, this government has decided to assist in that way. I acknowledge the role of the member for Vasse as former Treasurer for taking some initiative and attempting to find a solution to this problem earlier this year. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The government has committed to undertake the operation and management of the venue over the next two years until 30 June 2012. That will be made possible through the allocation of $3.96 million over that period so that the venue will be managed by the Perth Theatre Trust and through its contractor AEG Ogden. I think that all members would be aware that the Perth Theatre Trust has a strong record of managing some of this state’s premier performing arts venues, including His Majesty’s Theatre, the Perth Concert Hall and the soon-to-be-completed State Theatre Centre of Western Australia. Management of the building will be undertaken in consultation with the City of Albany to ensure that it is in a position to take ownership of the venue from 1 July 2012. In addition, the city will be expected to contribute to the operation of the venue and be responsible for the costs of the opening event and any additional capital or equipment costs for the building. As I mentioned, the construction of the centre was completed earlier this month and the official opening is expected to occur in December this year. However, as was announced in Kalgoorlie a couple of weeks ago, there will be a simulcast of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance at the Perth Concert Hall on 14 November to eight centres around the state, including Albany Entertainment Centre. I am sure that despite the history of this project, Albany Entertainment Centre will be a very high standard, impressive facility for residents of Albany and the Great Southern that will assist in attracting some high-standard events to Albany over the next two years. I hope that over that time the City of Albany will be able to put itself in a position to put funds aside into a reserve or whatever it needs to do so that it can manage the centre from 1 July 2012. We expect, and, in fact, intend, that AEG Ogden and the Perth Theatre Trust will continue to play a strong role probably for another two years past that time, but we also intend that it will be the financial responsibility of the City of Albany after then.
Mr P.B. Watson : It cost $68 million. Mr J.H.D. DAY : It is approximately $70 million. I can understand why the member for Albany might be a little sensitive about this question, given the legacy of the previous government. I had the opportunity of visiting the entertainment centre in July; it is a very impressive facility. It will certainly provide a lot of opportunities for major performing arts events to be attracted to Albany and the Great Southern region. It is certainly a very impressive building with a 620-seat main theatre and a flexible 200-seat studio space located on the Albany waterfront, adjacent to the Anzac Peace Park. In 2007 the previous government announced a funding commitment for the construction of the centre, with the intention that ownership of the centre would be handed over to the City of Albany upon completion of the project. That was the agreement put in place, but earlier this year, in February, the City of Albany raised concerns over its ability to manage and fund the venue. Mr P.B. Watson : That chief executive officer has since been sacked. Mr J.H.D. DAY : Does the member think it was appropriate that he left? Mr P.B. Watson : He made a statement that was wrong, and the previous CEO sued the city over the comments he made. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The reality is that the City of Albany raised concerns over its ability to manage and fund the venue during its first two years of operation. Mr P.B. Watson : You’ve got no idea! The SPEAKER : Member for Albany! Mr P.B. Watson : You’ve got no idea what’s happening! The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. Member for Albany, my impression is that the Minister for Culture and the Arts gave you the opportunity to make an interjection, to which he responded. The minister has the call; you do not have the call. I am formally going to call you to order for the first time today. The minister has the call. Mr J.H.D. DAY : Earlier this year the City of Albany came to the conclusion that it would be unable to operate and manage the centre during its first two years of operation and called on the Liberal–National government to step in and assist. Mr P.B. Watson : That’s because the Minister for Local Government sat on his backside! Mr J.H.D. DAY : And, indeed, this government has decided to assist in that way. I acknowledge the role of the member for Vasse as former Treasurer for taking some initiative and attempting to find a solution to this problem earlier this year. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The government has committed to undertake the operation and management of the venue over the next two years until 30 June 2012. That will be made possible through the allocation of $3.96 million over that period so that the venue will be managed by the Perth Theatre Trust and through its contractor AEG Ogden. I think that all members would be aware that the Perth Theatre Trust has a strong record of managing some of this state’s premier performing arts venues, including His Majesty’s Theatre, the Perth Concert Hall and the soon-to-be-completed State Theatre Centre of Western Australia. Management of the building will be undertaken in consultation with the City of Albany to ensure that it is in a position to take ownership of the venue from 1 July 2012. In addition, the city will be expected to contribute to the operation of the venue and be responsible for the costs of the opening event and any additional capital or equipment costs for the building. As I mentioned, the construction of the centre was completed earlier this month and the official opening is expected to occur in December this year. However, as was announced in Kalgoorlie a couple of weeks ago, there will be a simulcast of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance at the Perth Concert Hall on 14 November to eight centres around the state, including Albany Entertainment Centre. I am sure that despite the history of this project, Albany Entertainment Centre will be a very high standard, impressive facility for residents of Albany and the Great Southern that will assist in attracting some high-standard events to Albany over the next two years. I hope that over that time the City of Albany will be able to put itself in a position to put funds aside into a reserve or whatever it needs to do so that it can manage the centre from 1 July 2012. We expect, and, in fact, intend, that AEG Ogden and the Perth Theatre Trust will continue to play a strong role probably for another two years past that time, but we also intend that it will be the financial responsibility of the City of Albany after then.
Mr J.H.D. DAY : It is approximately $70 million. I can understand why the member for Albany might be a little sensitive about this question, given the legacy of the previous government. I had the opportunity of visiting the entertainment centre in July; it is a very impressive facility. It will certainly provide a lot of opportunities for major performing arts events to be attracted to Albany and the Great Southern region. It is certainly a very impressive building with a 620-seat main theatre and a flexible 200-seat studio space located on the Albany waterfront, adjacent to the Anzac Peace Park. In 2007 the previous government announced a funding commitment for the construction of the centre, with the intention that ownership of the centre would be handed over to the City of Albany upon completion of the project. That was the agreement put in place, but earlier this year, in February, the City of Albany raised concerns over its ability to manage and fund the venue. Mr P.B. Watson : That chief executive officer has since been sacked. Mr J.H.D. DAY : Does the member think it was appropriate that he left? Mr P.B. Watson : He made a statement that was wrong, and the previous CEO sued the city over the comments he made. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The reality is that the City of Albany raised concerns over its ability to manage and fund the venue during its first two years of operation. Mr P.B. Watson : You’ve got no idea! The SPEAKER : Member for Albany! Mr P.B. Watson : You’ve got no idea what’s happening! The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. Member for Albany, my impression is that the Minister for Culture and the Arts gave you the opportunity to make an interjection, to which he responded. The minister has the call; you do not have the call. I am formally going to call you to order for the first time today. The minister has the call. Mr J.H.D. DAY : Earlier this year the City of Albany came to the conclusion that it would be unable to operate and manage the centre during its first two years of operation and called on the Liberal–National government to step in and assist. Mr P.B. Watson : That’s because the Minister for Local Government sat on his backside! Mr J.H.D. DAY : And, indeed, this government has decided to assist in that way. I acknowledge the role of the member for Vasse as former Treasurer for taking some initiative and attempting to find a solution to this problem earlier this year. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The government has committed to undertake the operation and management of the venue over the next two years until 30 June 2012. That will be made possible through the allocation of $3.96 million over that period so that the venue will be managed by the Perth Theatre Trust and through its contractor AEG Ogden. I think that all members would be aware that the Perth Theatre Trust has a strong record of managing some of this state’s premier performing arts venues, including His Majesty’s Theatre, the Perth Concert Hall and the soon-to-be-completed State Theatre Centre of Western Australia. Management of the building will be undertaken in consultation with the City of Albany to ensure that it is in a position to take ownership of the venue from 1 July 2012. In addition, the city will be expected to contribute to the operation of the venue and be responsible for the costs of the opening event and any additional capital or equipment costs for the building. As I mentioned, the construction of the centre was completed earlier this month and the official opening is expected to occur in December this year. However, as was announced in Kalgoorlie a couple of weeks ago, there will be a simulcast of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance at the Perth Concert Hall on 14 November to eight centres around the state, including Albany Entertainment Centre. I am sure that despite the history of this project, Albany Entertainment Centre will be a very high standard, impressive facility for residents of Albany and the Great Southern that will assist in attracting some high-standard events to Albany over the next two years. I hope that over that time the City of Albany will be able to put itself in a position to put funds aside into a reserve or whatever it needs to do so that it can manage the centre from 1 July 2012. We expect, and, in fact, intend, that AEG Ogden and the Perth Theatre Trust will continue to play a strong role probably for another two years past that time, but we also intend that it will be the financial responsibility of the City of Albany after then.
I had the opportunity of visiting the entertainment centre in July; it is a very impressive facility. It will certainly provide a lot of opportunities for major performing arts events to be attracted to Albany and the Great Southern region. It is certainly a very impressive building with a 620-seat main theatre and a flexible 200-seat studio space located on the Albany waterfront, adjacent to the Anzac Peace Park. In 2007 the previous government announced a funding commitment for the construction of the centre, with the intention that ownership of the centre would be handed over to the City of Albany upon completion of the project. That was the agreement put in place, but earlier this year, in February, the City of Albany raised concerns over its ability to manage and fund the venue. Mr P.B. Watson : That chief executive officer has since been sacked. Mr J.H.D. DAY : Does the member think it was appropriate that he left? Mr P.B. Watson : He made a statement that was wrong, and the previous CEO sued the city over the comments he made. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The reality is that the City of Albany raised concerns over its ability to manage and fund the venue during its first two years of operation. Mr P.B. Watson : You’ve got no idea! The SPEAKER : Member for Albany! Mr P.B. Watson : You’ve got no idea what’s happening! The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. Member for Albany, my impression is that the Minister for Culture and the Arts gave you the opportunity to make an interjection, to which he responded. The minister has the call; you do not have the call. I am formally going to call you to order for the first time today. The minister has the call. Mr J.H.D. DAY : Earlier this year the City of Albany came to the conclusion that it would be unable to operate and manage the centre during its first two years of operation and called on the Liberal–National government to step in and assist. Mr P.B. Watson : That’s because the Minister for Local Government sat on his backside! Mr J.H.D. DAY : And, indeed, this government has decided to assist in that way. I acknowledge the role of the member for Vasse as former Treasurer for taking some initiative and attempting to find a solution to this problem earlier this year. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The government has committed to undertake the operation and management of the venue over the next two years until 30 June 2012. That will be made possible through the allocation of $3.96 million over that period so that the venue will be managed by the Perth Theatre Trust and through its contractor AEG Ogden. I think that all members would be aware that the Perth Theatre Trust has a strong record of managing some of this state’s premier performing arts venues, including His Majesty’s Theatre, the Perth Concert Hall and the soon-to-be-completed State Theatre Centre of Western Australia. Management of the building will be undertaken in consultation with the City of Albany to ensure that it is in a position to take ownership of the venue from 1 July 2012. In addition, the city will be expected to contribute to the operation of the venue and be responsible for the costs of the opening event and any additional capital or equipment costs for the building. As I mentioned, the construction of the centre was completed earlier this month and the official opening is expected to occur in December this year. However, as was announced in Kalgoorlie a couple of weeks ago, there will be a simulcast of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance at the Perth Concert Hall on 14 November to eight centres around the state, including Albany Entertainment Centre. I am sure that despite the history of this project, Albany Entertainment Centre will be a very high standard, impressive facility for residents of Albany and the Great Southern that will assist in attracting some high-standard events to Albany over the next two years. I hope that over that time the City of Albany will be able to put itself in a position to put funds aside into a reserve or whatever it needs to do so that it can manage the centre from 1 July 2012. We expect, and, in fact, intend, that AEG Ogden and the Perth Theatre Trust will continue to play a strong role probably for another two years past that time, but we also intend that it will be the financial responsibility of the City of Albany after then.
In 2007 the previous government announced a funding commitment for the construction of the centre, with the intention that ownership of the centre would be handed over to the City of Albany upon completion of the project. That was the agreement put in place, but earlier this year, in February, the City of Albany raised concerns over its ability to manage and fund the venue. Mr P.B. Watson : That chief executive officer has since been sacked. Mr J.H.D. DAY : Does the member think it was appropriate that he left? Mr P.B. Watson : He made a statement that was wrong, and the previous CEO sued the city over the comments he made. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The reality is that the City of Albany raised concerns over its ability to manage and fund the venue during its first two years of operation. Mr P.B. Watson : You’ve got no idea! The SPEAKER : Member for Albany! Mr P.B. Watson : You’ve got no idea what’s happening! The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. Member for Albany, my impression is that the Minister for Culture and the Arts gave you the opportunity to make an interjection, to which he responded. The minister has the call; you do not have the call. I am formally going to call you to order for the first time today. The minister has the call. Mr J.H.D. DAY : Earlier this year the City of Albany came to the conclusion that it would be unable to operate and manage the centre during its first two years of operation and called on the Liberal–National government to step in and assist. Mr P.B. Watson : That’s because the Minister for Local Government sat on his backside! Mr J.H.D. DAY : And, indeed, this government has decided to assist in that way. I acknowledge the role of the member for Vasse as former Treasurer for taking some initiative and attempting to find a solution to this problem earlier this year. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The government has committed to undertake the operation and management of the venue over the next two years until 30 June 2012. That will be made possible through the allocation of $3.96 million over that period so that the venue will be managed by the Perth Theatre Trust and through its contractor AEG Ogden. I think that all members would be aware that the Perth Theatre Trust has a strong record of managing some of this state’s premier performing arts venues, including His Majesty’s Theatre, the Perth Concert Hall and the soon-to-be-completed State Theatre Centre of Western Australia. Management of the building will be undertaken in consultation with the City of Albany to ensure that it is in a position to take ownership of the venue from 1 July 2012. In addition, the city will be expected to contribute to the operation of the venue and be responsible for the costs of the opening event and any additional capital or equipment costs for the building. As I mentioned, the construction of the centre was completed earlier this month and the official opening is expected to occur in December this year. However, as was announced in Kalgoorlie a couple of weeks ago, there will be a simulcast of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance at the Perth Concert Hall on 14 November to eight centres around the state, including Albany Entertainment Centre. I am sure that despite the history of this project, Albany Entertainment Centre will be a very high standard, impressive facility for residents of Albany and the Great Southern that will assist in attracting some high-standard events to Albany over the next two years. I hope that over that time the City of Albany will be able to put itself in a position to put funds aside into a reserve or whatever it needs to do so that it can manage the centre from 1 July 2012. We expect, and, in fact, intend, that AEG Ogden and the Perth Theatre Trust will continue to play a strong role probably for another two years past that time, but we also intend that it will be the financial responsibility of the City of Albany after then.
Mr P.B. Watson : That chief executive officer has since been sacked. Mr J.H.D. DAY : Does the member think it was appropriate that he left? Mr P.B. Watson : He made a statement that was wrong, and the previous CEO sued the city over the comments he made. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The reality is that the City of Albany raised concerns over its ability to manage and fund the venue during its first two years of operation. Mr P.B. Watson : You’ve got no idea! The SPEAKER : Member for Albany! Mr P.B. Watson : You’ve got no idea what’s happening! The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. Member for Albany, my impression is that the Minister for Culture and the Arts gave you the opportunity to make an interjection, to which he responded. The minister has the call; you do not have the call. I am formally going to call you to order for the first time today. The minister has the call. Mr J.H.D. DAY : Earlier this year the City of Albany came to the conclusion that it would be unable to operate and manage the centre during its first two years of operation and called on the Liberal–National government to step in and assist. Mr P.B. Watson : That’s because the Minister for Local Government sat on his backside! Mr J.H.D. DAY : And, indeed, this government has decided to assist in that way. I acknowledge the role of the member for Vasse as former Treasurer for taking some initiative and attempting to find a solution to this problem earlier this year. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The government has committed to undertake the operation and management of the venue over the next two years until 30 June 2012. That will be made possible through the allocation of $3.96 million over that period so that the venue will be managed by the Perth Theatre Trust and through its contractor AEG Ogden. I think that all members would be aware that the Perth Theatre Trust has a strong record of managing some of this state’s premier performing arts venues, including His Majesty’s Theatre, the Perth Concert Hall and the soon-to-be-completed State Theatre Centre of Western Australia. Management of the building will be undertaken in consultation with the City of Albany to ensure that it is in a position to take ownership of the venue from 1 July 2012. In addition, the city will be expected to contribute to the operation of the venue and be responsible for the costs of the opening event and any additional capital or equipment costs for the building. As I mentioned, the construction of the centre was completed earlier this month and the official opening is expected to occur in December this year. However, as was announced in Kalgoorlie a couple of weeks ago, there will be a simulcast of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance at the Perth Concert Hall on 14 November to eight centres around the state, including Albany Entertainment Centre. I am sure that despite the history of this project, Albany Entertainment Centre will be a very high standard, impressive facility for residents of Albany and the Great Southern that will assist in attracting some high-standard events to Albany over the next two years. I hope that over that time the City of Albany will be able to put itself in a position to put funds aside into a reserve or whatever it needs to do so that it can manage the centre from 1 July 2012. We expect, and, in fact, intend, that AEG Ogden and the Perth Theatre Trust will continue to play a strong role probably for another two years past that time, but we also intend that it will be the financial responsibility of the City of Albany after then.
Mr J.H.D. DAY : Does the member think it was appropriate that he left? Mr P.B. Watson : He made a statement that was wrong, and the previous CEO sued the city over the comments he made. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The reality is that the City of Albany raised concerns over its ability to manage and fund the venue during its first two years of operation. Mr P.B. Watson : You’ve got no idea! The SPEAKER : Member for Albany! Mr P.B. Watson : You’ve got no idea what’s happening! The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. Member for Albany, my impression is that the Minister for Culture and the Arts gave you the opportunity to make an interjection, to which he responded. The minister has the call; you do not have the call. I am formally going to call you to order for the first time today. The minister has the call. Mr J.H.D. DAY : Earlier this year the City of Albany came to the conclusion that it would be unable to operate and manage the centre during its first two years of operation and called on the Liberal–National government to step in and assist. Mr P.B. Watson : That’s because the Minister for Local Government sat on his backside! Mr J.H.D. DAY : And, indeed, this government has decided to assist in that way. I acknowledge the role of the member for Vasse as former Treasurer for taking some initiative and attempting to find a solution to this problem earlier this year. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The government has committed to undertake the operation and management of the venue over the next two years until 30 June 2012. That will be made possible through the allocation of $3.96 million over that period so that the venue will be managed by the Perth Theatre Trust and through its contractor AEG Ogden. I think that all members would be aware that the Perth Theatre Trust has a strong record of managing some of this state’s premier performing arts venues, including His Majesty’s Theatre, the Perth Concert Hall and the soon-to-be-completed State Theatre Centre of Western Australia. Management of the building will be undertaken in consultation with the City of Albany to ensure that it is in a position to take ownership of the venue from 1 July 2012. In addition, the city will be expected to contribute to the operation of the venue and be responsible for the costs of the opening event and any additional capital or equipment costs for the building. As I mentioned, the construction of the centre was completed earlier this month and the official opening is expected to occur in December this year. However, as was announced in Kalgoorlie a couple of weeks ago, there will be a simulcast of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance at the Perth Concert Hall on 14 November to eight centres around the state, including Albany Entertainment Centre. I am sure that despite the history of this project, Albany Entertainment Centre will be a very high standard, impressive facility for residents of Albany and the Great Southern that will assist in attracting some high-standard events to Albany over the next two years. I hope that over that time the City of Albany will be able to put itself in a position to put funds aside into a reserve or whatever it needs to do so that it can manage the centre from 1 July 2012. We expect, and, in fact, intend, that AEG Ogden and the Perth Theatre Trust will continue to play a strong role probably for another two years past that time, but we also intend that it will be the financial responsibility of the City of Albany after then.
Mr P.B. Watson : He made a statement that was wrong, and the previous CEO sued the city over the comments he made. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The reality is that the City of Albany raised concerns over its ability to manage and fund the venue during its first two years of operation. Mr P.B. Watson : You’ve got no idea! The SPEAKER : Member for Albany! Mr P.B. Watson : You’ve got no idea what’s happening! The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. Member for Albany, my impression is that the Minister for Culture and the Arts gave you the opportunity to make an interjection, to which he responded. The minister has the call; you do not have the call. I am formally going to call you to order for the first time today. The minister has the call. Mr J.H.D. DAY : Earlier this year the City of Albany came to the conclusion that it would be unable to operate and manage the centre during its first two years of operation and called on the Liberal–National government to step in and assist. Mr P.B. Watson : That’s because the Minister for Local Government sat on his backside! Mr J.H.D. DAY : And, indeed, this government has decided to assist in that way. I acknowledge the role of the member for Vasse as former Treasurer for taking some initiative and attempting to find a solution to this problem earlier this year. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The government has committed to undertake the operation and management of the venue over the next two years until 30 June 2012. That will be made possible through the allocation of $3.96 million over that period so that the venue will be managed by the Perth Theatre Trust and through its contractor AEG Ogden. I think that all members would be aware that the Perth Theatre Trust has a strong record of managing some of this state’s premier performing arts venues, including His Majesty’s Theatre, the Perth Concert Hall and the soon-to-be-completed State Theatre Centre of Western Australia. Management of the building will be undertaken in consultation with the City of Albany to ensure that it is in a position to take ownership of the venue from 1 July 2012. In addition, the city will be expected to contribute to the operation of the venue and be responsible for the costs of the opening event and any additional capital or equipment costs for the building. As I mentioned, the construction of the centre was completed earlier this month and the official opening is expected to occur in December this year. However, as was announced in Kalgoorlie a couple of weeks ago, there will be a simulcast of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance at the Perth Concert Hall on 14 November to eight centres around the state, including Albany Entertainment Centre. I am sure that despite the history of this project, Albany Entertainment Centre will be a very high standard, impressive facility for residents of Albany and the Great Southern that will assist in attracting some high-standard events to Albany over the next two years. I hope that over that time the City of Albany will be able to put itself in a position to put funds aside into a reserve or whatever it needs to do so that it can manage the centre from 1 July 2012. We expect, and, in fact, intend, that AEG Ogden and the Perth Theatre Trust will continue to play a strong role probably for another two years past that time, but we also intend that it will be the financial responsibility of the City of Albany after then.
The SPEAKER : Member for Albany! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The reality is that the City of Albany raised concerns over its ability to manage and fund the venue during its first two years of operation. Mr P.B. Watson : You’ve got no idea! The SPEAKER : Member for Albany! Mr P.B. Watson : You’ve got no idea what’s happening! The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. Member for Albany, my impression is that the Minister for Culture and the Arts gave you the opportunity to make an interjection, to which he responded. The minister has the call; you do not have the call. I am formally going to call you to order for the first time today. The minister has the call. Mr J.H.D. DAY : Earlier this year the City of Albany came to the conclusion that it would be unable to operate and manage the centre during its first two years of operation and called on the Liberal–National government to step in and assist. Mr P.B. Watson : That’s because the Minister for Local Government sat on his backside! Mr J.H.D. DAY : And, indeed, this government has decided to assist in that way. I acknowledge the role of the member for Vasse as former Treasurer for taking some initiative and attempting to find a solution to this problem earlier this year. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The government has committed to undertake the operation and management of the venue over the next two years until 30 June 2012. That will be made possible through the allocation of $3.96 million over that period so that the venue will be managed by the Perth Theatre Trust and through its contractor AEG Ogden. I think that all members would be aware that the Perth Theatre Trust has a strong record of managing some of this state’s premier performing arts venues, including His Majesty’s Theatre, the Perth Concert Hall and the soon-to-be-completed State Theatre Centre of Western Australia. Management of the building will be undertaken in consultation with the City of Albany to ensure that it is in a position to take ownership of the venue from 1 July 2012. In addition, the city will be expected to contribute to the operation of the venue and be responsible for the costs of the opening event and any additional capital or equipment costs for the building. As I mentioned, the construction of the centre was completed earlier this month and the official opening is expected to occur in December this year. However, as was announced in Kalgoorlie a couple of weeks ago, there will be a simulcast of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance at the Perth Concert Hall on 14 November to eight centres around the state, including Albany Entertainment Centre. I am sure that despite the history of this project, Albany Entertainment Centre will be a very high standard, impressive facility for residents of Albany and the Great Southern that will assist in attracting some high-standard events to Albany over the next two years. I hope that over that time the City of Albany will be able to put itself in a position to put funds aside into a reserve or whatever it needs to do so that it can manage the centre from 1 July 2012. We expect, and, in fact, intend, that AEG Ogden and the Perth Theatre Trust will continue to play a strong role probably for another two years past that time, but we also intend that it will be the financial responsibility of the City of Albany after then.
Mr J.H.D. DAY : The reality is that the City of Albany raised concerns over its ability to manage and fund the venue during its first two years of operation. Mr P.B. Watson : You’ve got no idea! The SPEAKER : Member for Albany! Mr P.B. Watson : You’ve got no idea what’s happening! The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. Member for Albany, my impression is that the Minister for Culture and the Arts gave you the opportunity to make an interjection, to which he responded. The minister has the call; you do not have the call. I am formally going to call you to order for the first time today. The minister has the call. Mr J.H.D. DAY : Earlier this year the City of Albany came to the conclusion that it would be unable to operate and manage the centre during its first two years of operation and called on the Liberal–National government to step in and assist. Mr P.B. Watson : That’s because the Minister for Local Government sat on his backside! Mr J.H.D. DAY : And, indeed, this government has decided to assist in that way. I acknowledge the role of the member for Vasse as former Treasurer for taking some initiative and attempting to find a solution to this problem earlier this year. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The government has committed to undertake the operation and management of the venue over the next two years until 30 June 2012. That will be made possible through the allocation of $3.96 million over that period so that the venue will be managed by the Perth Theatre Trust and through its contractor AEG Ogden. I think that all members would be aware that the Perth Theatre Trust has a strong record of managing some of this state’s premier performing arts venues, including His Majesty’s Theatre, the Perth Concert Hall and the soon-to-be-completed State Theatre Centre of Western Australia. Management of the building will be undertaken in consultation with the City of Albany to ensure that it is in a position to take ownership of the venue from 1 July 2012. In addition, the city will be expected to contribute to the operation of the venue and be responsible for the costs of the opening event and any additional capital or equipment costs for the building. As I mentioned, the construction of the centre was completed earlier this month and the official opening is expected to occur in December this year. However, as was announced in Kalgoorlie a couple of weeks ago, there will be a simulcast of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance at the Perth Concert Hall on 14 November to eight centres around the state, including Albany Entertainment Centre. I am sure that despite the history of this project, Albany Entertainment Centre will be a very high standard, impressive facility for residents of Albany and the Great Southern that will assist in attracting some high-standard events to Albany over the next two years. I hope that over that time the City of Albany will be able to put itself in a position to put funds aside into a reserve or whatever it needs to do so that it can manage the centre from 1 July 2012. We expect, and, in fact, intend, that AEG Ogden and the Perth Theatre Trust will continue to play a strong role probably for another two years past that time, but we also intend that it will be the financial responsibility of the City of Albany after then.
Mr P.B. Watson : You’ve got no idea! The SPEAKER : Member for Albany! Mr P.B. Watson : You’ve got no idea what’s happening! The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. Member for Albany, my impression is that the Minister for Culture and the Arts gave you the opportunity to make an interjection, to which he responded. The minister has the call; you do not have the call. I am formally going to call you to order for the first time today. The minister has the call. Mr J.H.D. DAY : Earlier this year the City of Albany came to the conclusion that it would be unable to operate and manage the centre during its first two years of operation and called on the Liberal–National government to step in and assist. Mr P.B. Watson : That’s because the Minister for Local Government sat on his backside! Mr J.H.D. DAY : And, indeed, this government has decided to assist in that way. I acknowledge the role of the member for Vasse as former Treasurer for taking some initiative and attempting to find a solution to this problem earlier this year. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The government has committed to undertake the operation and management of the venue over the next two years until 30 June 2012. That will be made possible through the allocation of $3.96 million over that period so that the venue will be managed by the Perth Theatre Trust and through its contractor AEG Ogden. I think that all members would be aware that the Perth Theatre Trust has a strong record of managing some of this state’s premier performing arts venues, including His Majesty’s Theatre, the Perth Concert Hall and the soon-to-be-completed State Theatre Centre of Western Australia. Management of the building will be undertaken in consultation with the City of Albany to ensure that it is in a position to take ownership of the venue from 1 July 2012. In addition, the city will be expected to contribute to the operation of the venue and be responsible for the costs of the opening event and any additional capital or equipment costs for the building. As I mentioned, the construction of the centre was completed earlier this month and the official opening is expected to occur in December this year. However, as was announced in Kalgoorlie a couple of weeks ago, there will be a simulcast of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance at the Perth Concert Hall on 14 November to eight centres around the state, including Albany Entertainment Centre. I am sure that despite the history of this project, Albany Entertainment Centre will be a very high standard, impressive facility for residents of Albany and the Great Southern that will assist in attracting some high-standard events to Albany over the next two years. I hope that over that time the City of Albany will be able to put itself in a position to put funds aside into a reserve or whatever it needs to do so that it can manage the centre from 1 July 2012. We expect, and, in fact, intend, that AEG Ogden and the Perth Theatre Trust will continue to play a strong role probably for another two years past that time, but we also intend that it will be the financial responsibility of the City of Albany after then.
The SPEAKER : Member for Albany! Mr P.B. Watson : You’ve got no idea what’s happening! The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. Member for Albany, my impression is that the Minister for Culture and the Arts gave you the opportunity to make an interjection, to which he responded. The minister has the call; you do not have the call. I am formally going to call you to order for the first time today. The minister has the call. Mr J.H.D. DAY : Earlier this year the City of Albany came to the conclusion that it would be unable to operate and manage the centre during its first two years of operation and called on the Liberal–National government to step in and assist. Mr P.B. Watson : That’s because the Minister for Local Government sat on his backside! Mr J.H.D. DAY : And, indeed, this government has decided to assist in that way. I acknowledge the role of the member for Vasse as former Treasurer for taking some initiative and attempting to find a solution to this problem earlier this year. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The government has committed to undertake the operation and management of the venue over the next two years until 30 June 2012. That will be made possible through the allocation of $3.96 million over that period so that the venue will be managed by the Perth Theatre Trust and through its contractor AEG Ogden. I think that all members would be aware that the Perth Theatre Trust has a strong record of managing some of this state’s premier performing arts venues, including His Majesty’s Theatre, the Perth Concert Hall and the soon-to-be-completed State Theatre Centre of Western Australia. Management of the building will be undertaken in consultation with the City of Albany to ensure that it is in a position to take ownership of the venue from 1 July 2012. In addition, the city will be expected to contribute to the operation of the venue and be responsible for the costs of the opening event and any additional capital or equipment costs for the building. As I mentioned, the construction of the centre was completed earlier this month and the official opening is expected to occur in December this year. However, as was announced in Kalgoorlie a couple of weeks ago, there will be a simulcast of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance at the Perth Concert Hall on 14 November to eight centres around the state, including Albany Entertainment Centre. I am sure that despite the history of this project, Albany Entertainment Centre will be a very high standard, impressive facility for residents of Albany and the Great Southern that will assist in attracting some high-standard events to Albany over the next two years. I hope that over that time the City of Albany will be able to put itself in a position to put funds aside into a reserve or whatever it needs to do so that it can manage the centre from 1 July 2012. We expect, and, in fact, intend, that AEG Ogden and the Perth Theatre Trust will continue to play a strong role probably for another two years past that time, but we also intend that it will be the financial responsibility of the City of Albany after then.
Mr P.B. Watson : You’ve got no idea what’s happening! The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. Member for Albany, my impression is that the Minister for Culture and the Arts gave you the opportunity to make an interjection, to which he responded. The minister has the call; you do not have the call. I am formally going to call you to order for the first time today. The minister has the call. Mr J.H.D. DAY : Earlier this year the City of Albany came to the conclusion that it would be unable to operate and manage the centre during its first two years of operation and called on the Liberal–National government to step in and assist. Mr P.B. Watson : That’s because the Minister for Local Government sat on his backside! Mr J.H.D. DAY : And, indeed, this government has decided to assist in that way. I acknowledge the role of the member for Vasse as former Treasurer for taking some initiative and attempting to find a solution to this problem earlier this year. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The government has committed to undertake the operation and management of the venue over the next two years until 30 June 2012. That will be made possible through the allocation of $3.96 million over that period so that the venue will be managed by the Perth Theatre Trust and through its contractor AEG Ogden. I think that all members would be aware that the Perth Theatre Trust has a strong record of managing some of this state’s premier performing arts venues, including His Majesty’s Theatre, the Perth Concert Hall and the soon-to-be-completed State Theatre Centre of Western Australia. Management of the building will be undertaken in consultation with the City of Albany to ensure that it is in a position to take ownership of the venue from 1 July 2012. In addition, the city will be expected to contribute to the operation of the venue and be responsible for the costs of the opening event and any additional capital or equipment costs for the building. As I mentioned, the construction of the centre was completed earlier this month and the official opening is expected to occur in December this year. However, as was announced in Kalgoorlie a couple of weeks ago, there will be a simulcast of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance at the Perth Concert Hall on 14 November to eight centres around the state, including Albany Entertainment Centre. I am sure that despite the history of this project, Albany Entertainment Centre will be a very high standard, impressive facility for residents of Albany and the Great Southern that will assist in attracting some high-standard events to Albany over the next two years. I hope that over that time the City of Albany will be able to put itself in a position to put funds aside into a reserve or whatever it needs to do so that it can manage the centre from 1 July 2012. We expect, and, in fact, intend, that AEG Ogden and the Perth Theatre Trust will continue to play a strong role probably for another two years past that time, but we also intend that it will be the financial responsibility of the City of Albany after then.
The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. Member for Albany, my impression is that the Minister for Culture and the Arts gave you the opportunity to make an interjection, to which he responded. The minister has the call; you do not have the call. I am formally going to call you to order for the first time today. The minister has the call. Mr J.H.D. DAY : Earlier this year the City of Albany came to the conclusion that it would be unable to operate and manage the centre during its first two years of operation and called on the Liberal–National government to step in and assist. Mr P.B. Watson : That’s because the Minister for Local Government sat on his backside! Mr J.H.D. DAY : And, indeed, this government has decided to assist in that way. I acknowledge the role of the member for Vasse as former Treasurer for taking some initiative and attempting to find a solution to this problem earlier this year. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The government has committed to undertake the operation and management of the venue over the next two years until 30 June 2012. That will be made possible through the allocation of $3.96 million over that period so that the venue will be managed by the Perth Theatre Trust and through its contractor AEG Ogden. I think that all members would be aware that the Perth Theatre Trust has a strong record of managing some of this state’s premier performing arts venues, including His Majesty’s Theatre, the Perth Concert Hall and the soon-to-be-completed State Theatre Centre of Western Australia. Management of the building will be undertaken in consultation with the City of Albany to ensure that it is in a position to take ownership of the venue from 1 July 2012. In addition, the city will be expected to contribute to the operation of the venue and be responsible for the costs of the opening event and any additional capital or equipment costs for the building. As I mentioned, the construction of the centre was completed earlier this month and the official opening is expected to occur in December this year. However, as was announced in Kalgoorlie a couple of weeks ago, there will be a simulcast of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance at the Perth Concert Hall on 14 November to eight centres around the state, including Albany Entertainment Centre. I am sure that despite the history of this project, Albany Entertainment Centre will be a very high standard, impressive facility for residents of Albany and the Great Southern that will assist in attracting some high-standard events to Albany over the next two years. I hope that over that time the City of Albany will be able to put itself in a position to put funds aside into a reserve or whatever it needs to do so that it can manage the centre from 1 July 2012. We expect, and, in fact, intend, that AEG Ogden and the Perth Theatre Trust will continue to play a strong role probably for another two years past that time, but we also intend that it will be the financial responsibility of the City of Albany after then.
Mr J.H.D. DAY : Earlier this year the City of Albany came to the conclusion that it would be unable to operate and manage the centre during its first two years of operation and called on the Liberal–National government to step in and assist. Mr P.B. Watson : That’s because the Minister for Local Government sat on his backside! Mr J.H.D. DAY : And, indeed, this government has decided to assist in that way. I acknowledge the role of the member for Vasse as former Treasurer for taking some initiative and attempting to find a solution to this problem earlier this year. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The government has committed to undertake the operation and management of the venue over the next two years until 30 June 2012. That will be made possible through the allocation of $3.96 million over that period so that the venue will be managed by the Perth Theatre Trust and through its contractor AEG Ogden. I think that all members would be aware that the Perth Theatre Trust has a strong record of managing some of this state’s premier performing arts venues, including His Majesty’s Theatre, the Perth Concert Hall and the soon-to-be-completed State Theatre Centre of Western Australia. Management of the building will be undertaken in consultation with the City of Albany to ensure that it is in a position to take ownership of the venue from 1 July 2012. In addition, the city will be expected to contribute to the operation of the venue and be responsible for the costs of the opening event and any additional capital or equipment costs for the building. As I mentioned, the construction of the centre was completed earlier this month and the official opening is expected to occur in December this year. However, as was announced in Kalgoorlie a couple of weeks ago, there will be a simulcast of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance at the Perth Concert Hall on 14 November to eight centres around the state, including Albany Entertainment Centre. I am sure that despite the history of this project, Albany Entertainment Centre will be a very high standard, impressive facility for residents of Albany and the Great Southern that will assist in attracting some high-standard events to Albany over the next two years. I hope that over that time the City of Albany will be able to put itself in a position to put funds aside into a reserve or whatever it needs to do so that it can manage the centre from 1 July 2012. We expect, and, in fact, intend, that AEG Ogden and the Perth Theatre Trust will continue to play a strong role probably for another two years past that time, but we also intend that it will be the financial responsibility of the City of Albany after then.
Mr P.B. Watson : That’s because the Minister for Local Government sat on his backside! Mr J.H.D. DAY : And, indeed, this government has decided to assist in that way. I acknowledge the role of the member for Vasse as former Treasurer for taking some initiative and attempting to find a solution to this problem earlier this year. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The government has committed to undertake the operation and management of the venue over the next two years until 30 June 2012. That will be made possible through the allocation of $3.96 million over that period so that the venue will be managed by the Perth Theatre Trust and through its contractor AEG Ogden. I think that all members would be aware that the Perth Theatre Trust has a strong record of managing some of this state’s premier performing arts venues, including His Majesty’s Theatre, the Perth Concert Hall and the soon-to-be-completed State Theatre Centre of Western Australia. Management of the building will be undertaken in consultation with the City of Albany to ensure that it is in a position to take ownership of the venue from 1 July 2012. In addition, the city will be expected to contribute to the operation of the venue and be responsible for the costs of the opening event and any additional capital or equipment costs for the building. As I mentioned, the construction of the centre was completed earlier this month and the official opening is expected to occur in December this year. However, as was announced in Kalgoorlie a couple of weeks ago, there will be a simulcast of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance at the Perth Concert Hall on 14 November to eight centres around the state, including Albany Entertainment Centre. I am sure that despite the history of this project, Albany Entertainment Centre will be a very high standard, impressive facility for residents of Albany and the Great Southern that will assist in attracting some high-standard events to Albany over the next two years. I hope that over that time the City of Albany will be able to put itself in a position to put funds aside into a reserve or whatever it needs to do so that it can manage the centre from 1 July 2012. We expect, and, in fact, intend, that AEG Ogden and the Perth Theatre Trust will continue to play a strong role probably for another two years past that time, but we also intend that it will be the financial responsibility of the City of Albany after then.
Mr J.H.D. DAY : And, indeed, this government has decided to assist in that way. I acknowledge the role of the member for Vasse as former Treasurer for taking some initiative and attempting to find a solution to this problem earlier this year. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The government has committed to undertake the operation and management of the venue over the next two years until 30 June 2012. That will be made possible through the allocation of $3.96 million over that period so that the venue will be managed by the Perth Theatre Trust and through its contractor AEG Ogden. I think that all members would be aware that the Perth Theatre Trust has a strong record of managing some of this state’s premier performing arts venues, including His Majesty’s Theatre, the Perth Concert Hall and the soon-to-be-completed State Theatre Centre of Western Australia. Management of the building will be undertaken in consultation with the City of Albany to ensure that it is in a position to take ownership of the venue from 1 July 2012. In addition, the city will be expected to contribute to the operation of the venue and be responsible for the costs of the opening event and any additional capital or equipment costs for the building. As I mentioned, the construction of the centre was completed earlier this month and the official opening is expected to occur in December this year. However, as was announced in Kalgoorlie a couple of weeks ago, there will be a simulcast of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance at the Perth Concert Hall on 14 November to eight centres around the state, including Albany Entertainment Centre. I am sure that despite the history of this project, Albany Entertainment Centre will be a very high standard, impressive facility for residents of Albany and the Great Southern that will assist in attracting some high-standard events to Albany over the next two years. I hope that over that time the City of Albany will be able to put itself in a position to put funds aside into a reserve or whatever it needs to do so that it can manage the centre from 1 July 2012. We expect, and, in fact, intend, that AEG Ogden and the Perth Theatre Trust will continue to play a strong role probably for another two years past that time, but we also intend that it will be the financial responsibility of the City of Albany after then.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The government has committed to undertake the operation and management of the venue over the next two years until 30 June 2012. That will be made possible through the allocation of $3.96 million over that period so that the venue will be managed by the Perth Theatre Trust and through its contractor AEG Ogden. I think that all members would be aware that the Perth Theatre Trust has a strong record of managing some of this state’s premier performing arts venues, including His Majesty’s Theatre, the Perth Concert Hall and the soon-to-be-completed State Theatre Centre of Western Australia. Management of the building will be undertaken in consultation with the City of Albany to ensure that it is in a position to take ownership of the venue from 1 July 2012. In addition, the city will be expected to contribute to the operation of the venue and be responsible for the costs of the opening event and any additional capital or equipment costs for the building. As I mentioned, the construction of the centre was completed earlier this month and the official opening is expected to occur in December this year. However, as was announced in Kalgoorlie a couple of weeks ago, there will be a simulcast of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance at the Perth Concert Hall on 14 November to eight centres around the state, including Albany Entertainment Centre. I am sure that despite the history of this project, Albany Entertainment Centre will be a very high standard, impressive facility for residents of Albany and the Great Southern that will assist in attracting some high-standard events to Albany over the next two years. I hope that over that time the City of Albany will be able to put itself in a position to put funds aside into a reserve or whatever it needs to do so that it can manage the centre from 1 July 2012. We expect, and, in fact, intend, that AEG Ogden and the Perth Theatre Trust will continue to play a strong role probably for another two years past that time, but we also intend that it will be the financial responsibility of the City of Albany after then.
The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Mr J.H.D. DAY : The government has committed to undertake the operation and management of the venue over the next two years until 30 June 2012. That will be made possible through the allocation of $3.96 million over that period so that the venue will be managed by the Perth Theatre Trust and through its contractor AEG Ogden. I think that all members would be aware that the Perth Theatre Trust has a strong record of managing some of this state’s premier performing arts venues, including His Majesty’s Theatre, the Perth Concert Hall and the soon-to-be-completed State Theatre Centre of Western Australia. Management of the building will be undertaken in consultation with the City of Albany to ensure that it is in a position to take ownership of the venue from 1 July 2012. In addition, the city will be expected to contribute to the operation of the venue and be responsible for the costs of the opening event and any additional capital or equipment costs for the building. As I mentioned, the construction of the centre was completed earlier this month and the official opening is expected to occur in December this year. However, as was announced in Kalgoorlie a couple of weeks ago, there will be a simulcast of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance at the Perth Concert Hall on 14 November to eight centres around the state, including Albany Entertainment Centre. I am sure that despite the history of this project, Albany Entertainment Centre will be a very high standard, impressive facility for residents of Albany and the Great Southern that will assist in attracting some high-standard events to Albany over the next two years. I hope that over that time the City of Albany will be able to put itself in a position to put funds aside into a reserve or whatever it needs to do so that it can manage the centre from 1 July 2012. We expect, and, in fact, intend, that AEG Ogden and the Perth Theatre Trust will continue to play a strong role probably for another two years past that time, but we also intend that it will be the financial responsibility of the City of Albany after then.
Mr J.H.D. DAY : The government has committed to undertake the operation and management of the venue over the next two years until 30 June 2012. That will be made possible through the allocation of $3.96 million over that period so that the venue will be managed by the Perth Theatre Trust and through its contractor AEG Ogden. I think that all members would be aware that the Perth Theatre Trust has a strong record of managing some of this state’s premier performing arts venues, including His Majesty’s Theatre, the Perth Concert Hall and the soon-to-be-completed State Theatre Centre of Western Australia. Management of the building will be undertaken in consultation with the City of Albany to ensure that it is in a position to take ownership of the venue from 1 July 2012. In addition, the city will be expected to contribute to the operation of the venue and be responsible for the costs of the opening event and any additional capital or equipment costs for the building. As I mentioned, the construction of the centre was completed earlier this month and the official opening is expected to occur in December this year. However, as was announced in Kalgoorlie a couple of weeks ago, there will be a simulcast of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance at the Perth Concert Hall on 14 November to eight centres around the state, including Albany Entertainment Centre. I am sure that despite the history of this project, Albany Entertainment Centre will be a very high standard, impressive facility for residents of Albany and the Great Southern that will assist in attracting some high-standard events to Albany over the next two years. I hope that over that time the City of Albany will be able to put itself in a position to put funds aside into a reserve or whatever it needs to do so that it can manage the centre from 1 July 2012. We expect, and, in fact, intend, that AEG Ogden and the Perth Theatre Trust will continue to play a strong role probably for another two years past that time, but we also intend that it will be the financial responsibility of the City of Albany after then.
Management of the building will be undertaken in consultation with the City of Albany to ensure that it is in a position to take ownership of the venue from 1 July 2012. In addition, the city will be expected to contribute to the operation of the venue and be responsible for the costs of the opening event and any additional capital or equipment costs for the building. As I mentioned, the construction of the centre was completed earlier this month and the official opening is expected to occur in December this year. However, as was announced in Kalgoorlie a couple of weeks ago, there will be a simulcast of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance at the Perth Concert Hall on 14 November to eight centres around the state, including Albany Entertainment Centre. I am sure that despite the history of this project, Albany Entertainment Centre will be a very high standard, impressive facility for residents of Albany and the Great Southern that will assist in attracting some high-standard events to Albany over the next two years. I hope that over that time the City of Albany will be able to put itself in a position to put funds aside into a reserve or whatever it needs to do so that it can manage the centre from 1 July 2012. We expect, and, in fact, intend, that AEG Ogden and the Perth Theatre Trust will continue to play a strong role probably for another two years past that time, but we also intend that it will be the financial responsibility of the City of Albany after then.
As I mentioned, the construction of the centre was completed earlier this month and the official opening is expected to occur in December this year. However, as was announced in Kalgoorlie a couple of weeks ago, there will be a simulcast of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance at the Perth Concert Hall on 14 November to eight centres around the state, including Albany Entertainment Centre. I am sure that despite the history of this project, Albany Entertainment Centre will be a very high standard, impressive facility for residents of Albany and the Great Southern that will assist in attracting some high-standard events to Albany over the next two years. I hope that over that time the City of Albany will be able to put itself in a position to put funds aside into a reserve or whatever it needs to do so that it can manage the centre from 1 July 2012. We expect, and, in fact, intend, that AEG Ogden and the Perth Theatre Trust will continue to play a strong role probably for another two years past that time, but we also intend that it will be the financial responsibility of the City of Albany after then.
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