Page 1694 - Week 07 - Tuesday, 21 August 2007
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Estimates 2007-2008—Select Committee
Report
MR GENTLEMAN (Brindabella) (11.25): I present the following report:
Estimates 2007-2008—Select Committee—Report (2 volumes)—Appropriation Bill 2007-2008, dated 20 August 2007, including additional comments (Dr Foskey) and a dissenting report (Mr Stefaniak, Mrs Burke), together with a copy of the relevant minutes of proceedings and answers to questions on notice.
I seek leave to move a motion authorising the report for publication.
Leave granted.
MR GENTLEMAN: I move:
That the report be authorised for publication.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
MR GENTLEMAN: I move:
That the report be noted.
This year the Select Committee on Estimates had the task of reviewing a budget described by the Treasurer as one that does not deal with short-term fiscal imperatives but that looks to the future, into the next decade and the one after that. Taking the territory forward is the commitment promised by the ACT government. While the committee’s role was to scrutinise this 12-month budget, it was important for it to take into consideration the comments made by the Treasurer when undertaking such a task.
I draw the Assembly’s focus to last year, the year when the ACT government delivered a budget that constrained spending and introduced necessary structural form not previously seen in the ACT under self-government. These measures, again mentioned by the Treasurer, were essential to create a stable, sustainable economic future for the ACT. I reiterate the importance of considering previous budgets when dealing with the present budget.
This year the Treasurer continued that reform process by delivering a budget that maps out a future for the ACT and ensures the economic security of this city state. The ACT economy is moving forward. That has been demonstrated by the expenditure proposals outlined in this budget, which include significant investment in infrastructure and economic planning for our future.
It takes a very confident parliamentarian to announce that his or her budget will ensure the economic security of the region which he or she represents. These are strong statements to make and ones that should be made only if they are backed up with relevant evidence. It is with confidence that I inform the Assembly that the committee believes the budget that the Treasurer has delivered has the capacity to deliver those promises to the ACT community.
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