Page 5970 - Week 14 - Thursday, 8 December 2011
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Supplementary answer to question without notice
Chifley wellness centre—landscaping
MS BURCH: In response to the questions about the Chifley wellbeing hub, the project manager for Chifley wellbeing hub, Hindmarsh, is undertaking a clearing of rubbish, including the removal of builders rubble and litter. This work will also include seeding the areas that are bare and further clearing of dead trees and shrubs. This work will be finalised before the end of December. A contract for regular maintenance at the hub has been tendered and is expected to be let early in 2012. The contract will include grass mowing, horticultural services and grounds maintenance to ensure the area is maintained in a neat and tiny condition.
In relation to the claims of illegal parking on the grass areas near the hub, CSD will investigate this matter and will take appropriate action that could include the possibility of erecting “no parking” signs or bollards if required. It will also liaise with the parking operations of the ORS if this is found to be necessary.
Taxation—effect on families
Discussion of matter of public importance
MADAM ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Ms Le Couteur): Mr Speaker has received letters from Ms Bresnan, Mr Coe, Mr Doszpot, Mrs Dunne, Mr Hanson, Mr Hargreaves, Ms Hunter, Ms Le Couteur, Ms Porter, Mr Seselja and Mr Smyth 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 Mrs Dunne be submitted to the Assembly, namely:
The impact of ACT government taxes and charges on Canberra families.
MRS DUNNE (Ginninderra) (3.08): While civil unions and the expansion of the Legislative Assembly occupy the minds of the other two parties in this place, the impact of ACT government taxes and charges on Canberra families remains the central focus of the Canberra Liberals. It is fitting that as we close this year I reflect on the first MPI of this year, which was brought by Mr Hanson into this place on 15 February, when he spoke about the struggle that so many Canberra people have as they run their households, to feed their families, send their children to childcare and maintain their health.
Today’s MPI is once again the story of Mr or Mrs or Ms Average Canberran and the enormous pressure heaped on them by the ACT government, which is out of touch and wasteful with their money. The narrative of average Canberrans is one of increasing government taxes and charges and with nothing to show for it.
Since 2001, we all know, and according to the ABS and the ICRC, we have seen parking go up 57 per cent, rents up by 68 per cent, rates up by 75 per cent, electricity up by 75 per cent and, most shockingly, water up by an unfathomable 200 per cent. Perhaps we should even call that 200 fathoms of unspeakable price rise, brought here by a lack of attention by this government on the important issues of the time.
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