Page 1442 - Week 05 - Wednesday, 14 May 2014

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Following the delivery of the commonwealth budget last night, there is no doubt that there are challenges ahead, but the fundamentals of the economy are strong and the ongoing work of the ACT government, the business sector and the community at large will help Canberra in the coming months and years. This government will do whatever it can to support the workers and families of the ACT, and I urge everyone in this place to support this motion.

MR SMYTH (Brindabella) (11.20): I move the amendment that has been circulated in my name:

Omit all words after “notes”, substitute:

“(a) that the Federal Budget handed down last night will have a direct and long lasting impact on the economy of the ACT;

(b) the public sector workforce in Canberra is highly skilled and delivers an important and highly valued service to the broader Australian community;

(c) of the estimated 16 500 jobs to be lost as a result of this Budget, approximately 90% or some 14 500 jobs were the result of previous Federal Labor Budgets and economic mismanagement;

(d) unlike other jurisdictions, the Federal Government continues to provide billions of dollars in employment to the ACT economy;

(e) the ACT Government has outlined plans for a number of high profile infrastructure projects, but has failed to deliver on important projects—resulting in overwhelming community response being, ‘just get on with it’;

(f) that these projects will not generate the desired investment and jobs growth in the ACT and promote economic activity for local suppliers and small businesses;

(g) failed to get Commonwealth funding for a new Convention Centre as a consequence of not having the project at a shovel ready stage after 13 years in Government;

(h) that the ACT Government has thus far failed to stimulate and further expand its support for local private sector businesses over its last 13 years;

(i) that the Government’s clean energy schemes have caused discord in regional communities in NSW; and

(j) the ACT Government’s failure to support our tourism, sporting, and events industry; and

(2) condemns the ACT Government for its failure to genuinely diversify our City’s economy over the last 13 years.”.


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