Page 2997 - Week 14 - Tuesday, 5 December 1989
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It is not our way to impose massive revenue increases on the people of Canberra, nor to irresponsibly suggest the abolition of crucial taxes. It is not our way to impose a huge debt burden on the people of Canberra through a massive borrowing program. These are the stated policies of the Liberal coalition. Our Labor Government is about steady change, change at a rate the community can accept. We are about maintaining critical public services, keeping Canberra the great place that we all know it is. A Labor government will continue that process. Our agenda for budgetary adjustment is set, it is clear, it is achievable.
We are carrying across the same processes to economic restructuring. The Government understands that our industry base needs to be broadened. This adjustment must also be planned and steady. Our community does not want the employment base to be subject to wild fluctuation. The fluctuation faced by the construction industry is an important example. The boom-bust approach which this industry has experienced cannot be allowed to confront other industries. Our Government has implemented, and will continue to implement, policies designed to stabilise the construction industry.
We have increased our own budget construction program. A stable environment is being established for private sector development. In particular, the section 19 redevelopment, initiated by our Government, is a bright prospect for the future. The construction industry is not, however, the whole future for Canberra's economic development. We are looking to new growth industries: tourism, high technology, leisure and recreation services and financial services, to name but a few.
This process was commenced in our budget where significant resources were devoted to industry development. Specific tourist promotion programs have been implemented. An industry development package is being implemented which includes business advice and marketing information, direct land purchase opportunities, infrastructure assistance, human resource development assistance and assistance with relocation expenses. Our Government is committed to creating jobs for the people of Canberra, worthwhile jobs for our young people, jobs to encourage them to stay in Canberra. We care for Canberra. I want it to stay a great place in which to live and to work.
Mr Speaker, I have outlined in some detail the achievements of this Government in the short period that it has been in office. Those achievements are significant, but they reveal only some of the activity undertaken by the Government. The development and implementation of policy, legislation and programs in many areas have yet to produce public results.
Let me outline the areas this Government will pursue if this motion is defeated. We will continue the public
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