Page 2298 - Week 08 - Friday, 21 June 1991
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these pressures, there will be very little room for any new policies. Only the highest priority needs of the community will be able to be addressed. We have already announced the reopening of Cook and Lyons primary schools. Costs of this will be limited, particularly once the new school year starts.
As part of the budget process, I intend to have preliminary discussions soon with representative groups, after which the Government will release a statement on budget strategy. I will invite community reaction to this statement. This feedback will be essential in assisting the Government in the difficult process of framing the budget.
In conclusion, the outcome of the Premiers Conference has been a severe body blow to ACT finances. We have an extremely difficult task ahead to deliver a balanced budget. We have already taken a series of hard decisions, but the bottom line still shows a gap of $34.6m. I trust that through the consultative process I have outlined, and with the cooperation of the Government's public servants, we will be able to identify the options for making the savings that are required to produce a no-frills budget which is based on social justice. It will be economically and financially responsible. It will protect our community, and it will set the scene for future Labor budgets.
Mr Deputy Speaker, I present the following paper:
Premiers Conference Outcome and Outlook for the 1991-92 Budget - Ministerial statement, 21 June 1991.
I move:
That the Assembly takes note of the paper.
Debate (on motion by Mr Humphries) adjourned.
PARLIAMENTARY PROCESS
Discussion of Matter of Public Importance
MR DEPUTY SPEAKER: Mr Speaker has received letters from Mr Stevenson, Mr Duby, Ms Maher, Mr Collaery, Dr Kinloch, Mr Jensen and Mr Humphries - a cast of thousands - all proposing that matters of public importance be submitted to the Assembly. In accordance with standing order 79, Mr Speaker has determined that the matter proposed by Mr Stevenson be submitted to the Assembly, namely:
The need for reform of the parliamentary process in the Australian Capital Territory.
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