Inquiry into new embassies, official residences - ABC Online

Posted November 29, 2012 08:02:15

Canberra MP Gai Brodtmann has announced an inquiry into the management of diplomatic estates in the ACT.

Federal Parliament's National Capital and External Territories Committee will look into land supply, and the future needs of countries wanting to build embassies, high commissions and official residences.

It comes after community anger flared when the National Capital Authority (NCA) announced plans to allow up to seven embassies to be built on part of Stirling Park at Yarralumla in Canberra's inner south.

Residents in Yarralumla are objecting to the plans, but the NCA says they are necessary to meet growing demand.

Ms Brodtmann says its the first time an inquiry of this nature has been held.

"It'll particularly focus on the roles of the NCA and the Department of Foreign Affairs as well as the ACT Government and other relevant agencies," she said.

"It will also be forecasting levels of demand and supply, the suitability of current property types and other options to meet the different needs of diplomatic missions, as well as locations for future diplomatic estates."

Ms Brodtmann says the committee will examine all options.

"Some people have spoken to me about the possibilities of sub-divisions, of strata title arrangements, of using existing commercial opportunities as well as possible greenfields," she said.

"They are all elements that we will be exploring through this inquiry."

Topics: states-and-territories, federal---state-issues, foreign-affairs, act, canberra-2600, yarralumla-2600