Page 1449 - Week 05 - Wednesday, 1 June 2022
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
the smallest in the nation, is doing more than our bit, both because we recognise how essential the rapid transition is and because we want to grasp the “first mover” advantages that come from establishing new sectors of our economy in the territory. We can now look forward to working with a federal government that is equally committed to addressing climate change through an investment in renewable technologies that reduce emissions, that strengthen the economy and that create jobs.
Addressing racism is another important issue nationally. The ACT government supports the National Anti-Racism Framework. That is why I am so pleased that the new federal government has committed funding, $7½ million, to the Australian Human Rights Commission to complete the development of this framework and implement a comprehensive national anti-racism plan. I can say that the ACT will do its part locally, and we will work with other jurisdictions to tackle racism and foster a more inclusive community.
As I mentioned earlier, we know that the territory has not been receiving its fair share of infrastructure investment. However, this is not the only area of commonwealth, state and territory financial relations. As Chief Minister and Treasurer of a small jurisdiction, I also have a strong interest in seeing a fit-for-purpose GST distribution system that is fair and equitable, and that ensures we can continue to invest in our local community and deliver important job-creating projects.
One of our most significant infrastructure projects is the extension of the light rail network through the parliamentary triangle and onwards to Woden. This has already required, and will continue to require, engagement between agencies and between levels of government to progress the design, construction and operation of the network’s second stage, particularly the complexities that come with National Capital Authority controlled land. We look forward to a higher level of collaboration and cooperation in the next stages of delivery for this project.
As I touched on earlier, we know that our city plays a very significant role in the nation, as the national capital and the home of the Australian public service. However, it is also important to recognise that our city is a significant regional hub for a significant portion of south-east New South Wales. The investment and services that we are delivering inside the territory borders in areas like health care are used not only by Canberrans but by communities across our region. It is important that this is acknowledged and considered in federal financial relations, in relations with the New South Wales government and, more broadly, by the Canberra community in recognising both the benefits and challenges that come from that regional service delivery responsibility.
Naturally, we have shared interests with our New South Wales neighbours. These include a faster rail service between Canberra and Sydney, better freight access to Canberra airport, and improvements to the Monaro and Barton highways. In that light, I am particularly looking forward to working with the re-elected, and highly effective, member for Eden-Monaro, and now Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Kristy McBain, to continue to strengthen the Canberra region. We go from having a territories minister based in Western Australia to having a territories minister representing the electorate that entirely surrounds the ACT.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video