THE National Capital and External Territories Committee will enquire into the management of diplomatic estates in the ACT.

Initiated by committee member and member for Canberra, Gai Brodtmann, pictured, who says this is the first time an inquiry of this nature has been conducted. It will provide a clear understanding of supply and demand issues in the short- and long-term.

There is mounting resistance within the community to the National Capital Authority’s proposed placement of future diplomatic missions, with a well-organised and influential ginger group in Yarralumla , Ms Brodtmann’s own suburb, resisting any diplomatic encroachment into Stirling Ridge.

The committee will inquire into the allocation of land to diplomatic missions in the ACT with particular reference to:

1. The roles of the NCA, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Government of the ACT (where applicable) and other relevant agencies.

2. Forecast levels of demand and supply.

3. The suitability of current property types and other options to meet the different needs of diplomatic missions.

4. Options for locations of future diplomatic estates.

The committee has been asked to report to the Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government, Simon Crean, by March 30.

“As a national capital, we must be able to respond to the changing needs of the diplomatic community, but as a city we must have in place plans that meet the needs of the Canberra community,” Ms Brodtmann said.

“We need to explore a broader range of options that take into account today’s Canberra, not the Canberra of the 1950s.”