Page 146 - Week 01 - Wednesday, 14 December 2016
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Canberrans voted overwhelmingly for this economic direction. Let’s be very clear about this: two months ago all Canberrans were given a very clear choice about the future of economic policy, infrastructure policy and social policy in this city, and they returned this government with a bigger majority than we had four years ago. They did so because we have put in place the policies that have led to very strong economic growth in the territory and to the lowest unemployment rate in the nation, and we have plans for the future to continue to diversify our economy, to invest in the infrastructure that our city needs and to support the private sector to grow. We will continue to do that through taxation reform and regulatory reduction through the economic development portfolio and in promoting investment, both nationally and internationally sourced, into our economy.
We are proud to do that because we believe in Canberra. We believe in our city’s future, and we are prepared to do the hard work to achieve a better future for all Canberrans. That will be our focus in economic development over the next four years.
MR PETTERSSON: Chief Minister, how does that contrast with the government’s policy around public service jobs?
MR BARR: It is very clear that, of the two governments in Canberra, only one is committed to this city’s economic future. Only one is committed to the strength of the public sector in this city. The prospect of further cuts that might emerge from next Monday’s midyear economic update from the commonwealth government and what they are foreshadowing in their budget next year ought to be a cause for concern for those of us who are supportive of Canberra and supportive of our city’s role as the centre of public administration in this country.
We generally know we have hit on the raw nerve of those opposite when we start getting the interjections and they are all running away from the legacy that their political party has left for this city.
Mr Hanson interjecting—
MADAM SPEAKER: Please stop the clock. Mr Hanson, I have asked you to refrain from interjecting. Whilst we understand this is vigorous debate, I think you have been described as the most frequent interjector, and I do ask you to show some level of restraint. Chief Minister.
MR BARR: Thank you Madam Speaker. As I was saying, those opposite continue to run away from the record of their federal colleagues in relation to this city. It is disappointing to see, in this decision from the Deputy Prime Minister, that the business case was set aside, common sense was set aside and the worst of pork barrelling has come to the fore.
The contrast is that we will support the continued moderate growth of the ACT public sector to provide essential services to this community and we will provide for the maintenance of real wages for public sector workers in this territory. That will go to support many small businesses and will ensure that the ACT economy continues on this growth path.
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