Page 200 - Week 01 - Wednesday, 26 February 2014
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MS BERRY (Ginninderra) (4.06): In speaking to the amendment and closing the debate, I thank everyone who has contributed to this important debate today. The Chief Minister highlighted the work that this government is doing in all of its capacities—as facilitators, working with our businesses, regional partners and the federal government to encourage economic investment in the ACT and, as investors, with our commitment to light rail, major construction projects in the city, and investments in our tertiary education and health sectors. Compared to the federal government, the ACT government is a relatively small player in our community but, as the elected local representatives of this territory, we have a responsibility to do as much as we can to protect jobs and defend our economy.
Dr Bourke spoke passionately about the need for governments of all levels and persuasions to invest in jobs in the ACT, because the ACT has a great track record in encouraging smart, driven and creative entrepreneurs. We are indeed an ideas city. I am not sure what the opposition think about that. Dr Bourke also touched on the role that government can play—and I quote him—in creating the appropriate conditions for local businesses, eradicating red tape, reducing and removing outdated taxes, transitioning to online services, undertaking major infrastructure projects from the city plan, the city to the lake, the capital metro and smaller projects such as the new north side hospital, the Calvary car park, the Belconnen high upgrade, new land releases, major road projects such as the Majura parkway, new fire stations, shopping centre upgrades, school upgrades and works in our parks and public places.
Mr Barr, the Treasurer, showed the importance of this government’s role in promoting a diverse economy. Mr Barr showed how this government has played a role in promoting our export industry, our tourism industry and our IT and communication and research sectors. We also have a positive story to tell in relation to the diversification of our economy. I thank the Treasurer for his contribution. I also thank the Treasurer for telling the whole truth and not just engaging in selective quoting as the other side of the chamber did today during this debate. Mr Hanson went on his usual tirade based on division and fear. He showed yet again that he has no plan for protecting jobs and no plan for Canberra’s economy.
This government has always been concerned by any cuts to the public service. I do not think anyone likes to see APS jobs cut in our city. But we know from decades of experience that the Liberal Party in Canberra is the party of recession. It is mere politics to compare what the last federal government did in the face of a global financial crisis with the current Liberal government’s plan to go on some ideological campaign and cut indiscriminately.
Mr Hanson and the Liberal Party in Canberra have no plans and no ideas for looking after jobs and our economy. They cannot tell us what they will do to help families and communities who are affected by the cuts. Essentially, on this side of the chamber we believe in the role of active government. We believe the government, where possible and where it can, should be a positive player in our society, giving people a hand up at every opportunity.
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