Page 1601 - Week 04 - Thursday, 7 April 2011

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In fact, this government has worked hard to ensure health expenditure is sustainable and to contain growth to affordable levels. It has directed funding to areas of greatest need, including elective surgery, critical care and cancer services. There are also more doctors, more nurses and more hospital beds.

As a government we have implemented significant reforms in our public education system, investing in both new and existing schools, and we now have more teachers, smaller class sizes and more educational choice. Those opposite should commend this government for prudent financial management.

By way of comparison, the former Liberal government’s lack of financial discipline and appropriate investment in infrastructure led to well-publicised and accepted failures in service delivery. These included failure to support people with health issues, failure to support children at risk of abuse, failure to support people with disabilities, failure to house the homeless and failure to adequately resource emergency services. Those opposite simply forgot that it is not possible to deliver services unless you have the infrastructure to do it.

The government’s strong fiscal discipline has strengthened the economy, the local industry was supported, and the future of the ACT looks more positive because of this approach. Importantly, this government’s strong fiscal management has ensured the services to the community are of a high standard and will continue to be delivered to that standard.

MR SPEAKER: The time for debate has now expired.

Public Accounts—Standing Committee

Statement by chair

MS LE COUTEUR (Molonglo): Pursuant to standing order 246A I wish to make a statement on behalf of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts relating to inquiries about certain Auditor-General’s reports currently before the committee.

On 27 October 2010, Auditor-General’s report No 7 of 2010 was referred to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts for inquiry. The audit report presented the results of a performance audit that reviewed the effectiveness of feedback and complaints management mechanisms within the Department of Territory and Municipal Services, TAMS. The committee received a briefing from the Auditor-General in relation to the audit report on 10 February 2011, and a submission from the government dated 22 February 2011.

The committee has resolved to conclude its consideration of the audit report with the tabling of a summary report. The committee expects to table its report as soon as practicable.

On 12 November 2010, Auditor-General’s report No 9 of 2010 was referred to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts for inquiry. The audit report presented the results of a follow-up performance audit that reviewed progress by the Department of


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