Page 2924 - Week 10 - Thursday, 7 October 2021
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
from home. We have had the technology to support online learning for our kids. We have been able to pay the delivery fees associated with delivered goods, and we have been able to draw on our social capital.
However, there are many in our community who have been unable to draw on these resources. One of the most concerning elements of our shared experience has been that it has exacerbated the inequality divide. For these members of our community, the recovery will be long and will require support from all levels of government and all Canberrans. As a government, we have charted a path out of lockdown that is supported by the health advice and sees a gradual easing of restrictions, rather than a so-called freedom day. This is based on epidemiological evidence and is supported by our community. It will see the economy opening up in a graduated way, which means recovery will not be instantaneous.
I join with others in this chamber and many in the community in expressing alarm at the way in which essential individual supports, such as the disaster payment, will be dramatically curtailed and cease at a time when the economy will still be restarting. This would not be such a concern if we saw income support at above poverty levels. But we will still see people unable to gain employment punished at a time of continued economic upheaval and uncertainty.
The ACT budget delivered this week includes a range of investments to support our community in recovery. It will also continue to provide targeted support through our concessions programs. We agree that it is time to ensure that these programs are responsive to our current situation and future needs. As such, I fully support the calls of this motion to develop a social recovery plan. I am really excited to hear Minister Davidson outline some of the plans for this and a review of the targeted assistance program.
As others have already said, in doing this we must recognise what the ACT government cannot do, which is to raise the rate of income support payments, such as JobSeeker, to a level that enables people to live a life of dignity, engage in job seeking and sustain themselves and their families through periods where there may not be jobs or fully operating industries.
I conclude my remarks by noting that one of the ongoing stresses on the recovery process that we will need to focus on is to do everything we can to ensure that people have a decent place to call home. This is not an easy feat in the current circumstances. Current tax settings, market forces and the like have seen housing costs rise at levels that are imposing a number of challenges on Canberrans.
We have responded meaningfully through our budget investments in the areas of increased funding to specialist homelessness services, investments in public housing, and announcements in areas such as build-to-rent, as a way to grow access to affordable rental. There will be much work to do. These are works in progress. I look forward to continuing to work with the Chief Minister, Minister Berry and community partners, on how we respond to the challenges that we have ahead in this area.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video