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Monday, November 18, 2024 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

Leave the AIS alone, says Lee

“As an institution of national significance, the AIS must remain in the ACT,” says Elizabeth Lee.

CANBERRA Liberals Leader Elizabeth Lee is calling on the Legislative Assembly to condemn the federal government for creating uncertainty by commissioning a review into moving the AIS out of Canberra.

Ms Lee said the rightful home of the AIS is in the nation’s capital.

“It is incredibly disappointing to see the federal Labor government recently announce a review which will look into the proposal to relocate the AIS to Queensland,” she said.

“As an institution of national significance, the AIS must remain in the ACT, and it is incumbent on all MLAs to affirm their support and tell the Albanese government that, as an Assembly, we do not condone any move or discussion to move the AIS from Canberra.

“Following the 2022 federal election, Andrew Barr and his colleagues were adamant the ACT would receive a better deal under a federal Labor government. Not only has that not transpired but it is now considering moving a national institution out of the ACT.”

Ms Lee said documents released under freedom of information show that relocating the AIS would cost more than $1 billion and take more than four years.

“There appears to be very little benefit of moving the AIS out of Canberra that will also come at a significant cost for taxpayers, so it is disappointing to see this proposal even being considered, particularly after it was already rejected by the Australian Sports Commission,” she said.

 

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