Page 1864 - Week 06 - Thursday, 5 June 2014

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MADAM SPEAKER: Supplementary question, Mr Coe.

MR COE: Minister, if you are predicting improvement in your on-time performance, why is it still only about 75 per cent of the target?

MR RATTENBURY: That is the target that has been set out in the budget papers.

MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mrs Jones.

MRS JONES: Minister, why are passenger boardings down by 600,000 on your 2013-14 target?

MR RATTENBURY: I think there is a range of possible factors for that.

Mr Smyth interjecting—

MR RATTENBURY: I think they were handing out Red Bulls in the Liberal Party room at lunchtime today. It has been a most extraordinary question time. We have actually heard a member meow like a cat during this question time, which is perhaps the most extraordinary thing I have heard since I have been in this place.

As I was starting to say before the various snide comments came across the chamber, there are undoubtedly a range of reasons why those passenger numbers have dropped. Certainly, through the endeavours of network 14, we are seeking to provide more direct services, better connected services and services that run more frequently. I believe these improvements will drive an increase in patronage for ACTION.

It being 3 pm, questions were interrupted pursuant to the resolution of the Assembly.

Appropriation Bill 2014-2015

[Cognate bill: Appropriation (Office of the Legislative Assembly) Bill 2014-2015]

Debate resumed from 3 June 2014, on motion by Mr Barr:

That this bill be agreed to in principle.

MR HANSON (Molonglo—Leader of the Opposition) (3.00): Madam Speaker, it is notable that the Treasurer’s speech on Tuesday was the shortest in Assembly history. Quite frankly, if I had to sell that deceitful load of debt-ridden drivel, I would want to duck for cover as well. This budget is lazy, it is indulgent, it is arrogant and it is dishonest. It is born from a complacency that only comes from a government so out of touch that they have forgotten who it is they serve and what it is they are here to do.

Let me give an example: this government inherited one of the best operating health systems in the country and they have turned that into a system that is failing Canberrans. We wait longer for treatment than anyone else in the nation. You should hang your head in shame. You have failed. They have taken one of the best cities in the country in which to live and raise a family to one where cost of living pressures are squeezing Canberra families for every cent they can with no end in sight.


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