Page 1763 - Week 06 - Wednesday, 8 May 2013
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Just when our economy is one of the strongest economies in the nation, just when our unemployment rate is one of the lowest in the country, just when we have a strong housing sector, notwithstanding the adverse impact of the global financial crisis, and just when our retail sector is picking up, we are faced once again with a real threat of another coalition slash and burn attack on Canberra. We all know what will transpire should we see the election of a federal coalition government. This will effectively stifle economic growth in Canberra and the region. As I said, it will lead to higher unemployment and place immense pressure on local businesses and those around the region, not to mention the negative financial and emotional effect on every Canberran.
I believe my colleagues have already more than adequately outlined the extent of the threat we are facing. Needless to say, all of this prosperity and stability which we have worked so hard to achieve is in jeopardy. I dare say that the federal coalition’s vision for Canberra could even have a more damaging force than a global financial crisis for the ACT. As a member for Ginninderra I am worried. I am worried because I know what this avowed slash and burn attack will do to my constituents and the local economy.
As you are well aware, Mr Assistant Speaker, there are several federal government departments and agencies in my electorate. As Dr Bourke said, Belconnen hosts the Australian Sports Commission, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare and the Australian Bureau of Statistics, just to mention a few. However, going by the remarks of the Leader of the Opposition and his shadow treasurer, they are not exempt. A reputable independent research body, ANZ Research, whose research report was mentioned in yesterday’s Canberra Times, states, “The possibility of a change in government is already hitting the territory’s economy with the housing market slowing and business and households acting cautiously.”
What this shows is that the community is rightly worried at the prospect that the ACT government will have to go through the 1996-97 hardships all over again in the event of a change in government federally. There is no doubt that for businesses in the ACT, the stability and certainty currently provided under this Labor government will be replaced with a period of turmoil, uncertainty and increasing challenges under a federal coalition government.
Mr Assistant Speaker, make no mistake. The concern that history will be repeated is generated directly from the reckless, disrespectful and thoughtless remarks from the federal opposition leader and those made by his shadow treasurer and other coalition members. It is stating the obvious to say that Canberra would not be the same place without the strong and stable federal public service that operates not only in Canberra but in the nation’s capital. This is the nation’s capital.
It would be very useful for those opposite to take into account the considered views of their colleague and the current ACT senator, Mr Gary Humphries. During the last election he distributed some material through Canberra suburbs in which he made the following statement, “If the federal government grows, Canberra benefits. If it contracts, Canberra suffers.” I do not believe that I can put it any plainer than that: if
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