Page 2719 - Week 09 - Wednesday, 12 August 2015
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MADAM SPEAKER: Supplementary question, Mr Smyth.
MR SMYTH: Treasurer, how does the cost of recycled water in the ACT compare to other jurisdictions?
MR BARR: I think that would depend on the nature of other jurisdictions and the nature of the recycled water—as to whether it was desal, for example, or simply water that was harvested through stormwater. We would need to look at the detail. I would have to confess that I do not have in my head at the moment a ready reckoner on the price of recycled water in every other Australian jurisdiction.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Smyth.
MR SMYTH: Treasurer, who is able to access recycled water in the ACT?
MR BARR: A range of organisations, as long as they are able to tap into a supply source.
Business—policy
DR BOURKE: Chief Minister, how will the new business development strategy help provide business growth and jobs?
MR BARR: I thank Dr Bourke for his question. Our new strategy reflects how far our economy and our business community have developed over the last three years and seeks to make sure we remain well positioned to continue our city’s economic growth, our job creation and also to seize new opportunities for Canberra in future years.
We remain committed to three key objectives: creating the right business environment, accelerating innovation, and supporting new investment in our economy. The business development strategy includes a range of actions which we pursue in partnership with business and with the innovation and research community in order to achieve these objectives.
It recognises that creating the right business environment is the most important thing the government can do to assist the more than 25,000 businesses that operate in the territory. Examples of our regulatory and tax reforms that seek to make doing business easier in the ACT include the establishment of Access Canberra, the elimination of red tape, increasing the payroll tax threshold, the elimination of inefficient taxes and duties, and new procurement policies designed to make it easier for local businesses to benefit from ACT government expenditure.
The second goal is to accelerate innovation to create wealth and jobs. We are committed to working even more closely with our higher education and research institutions to deliver better outcomes for the community. It is worth noting that this sector contributes about $2.7 billion to Canberra’s economy and employs around 16.00 full-time equivalent positions in the territory.
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