Page 225 - Week 01 - Thursday, 15 December 2016
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This government understands how important it is to be able to do business in Canberra easily. Businesses are a key driver of our economy and through my portfolio I will continue to develop a smarter regulatory regime that works hard to reduce administrative burdens and helps the ACT to create greater economic diversity.
Continuing to live out the Access Canberra motto of “easier, simpler, faster” means that event organisers, community groups and business owners can navigate approval processes more simply. One of my first actions in this portfolio was to approve and launch the new Access Canberra website, and I will continue to move more services online so that people can transact with government anytime, anywhere and at their own convenience. However, I know that, despite the ease, efficiency and convenience of online service, it is vital that the services are truly accessible to everyone. So I will work to ensure that those who either do not or cannot access digital solutions are not excluded.
Another core part of a vibrant, progressive Canberra is our arts and community events scene, which brings life, colour and vitality to the Canberra region, helping to define our community’s identity and express our values. A strong and vibrant arts and community events sector is essential to the cultural, social and economic fabric of Canberra. Local artists have played an important role in the growth of our signature major events, and I am keen to see that contribution develop further.
The government recognises that providing support for something because it is beautiful, makes us laugh, challenges us or speaks to us creates the space and freedom needed for creativity and innovation to flourish in and enrich our community. It is essential, therefore, that we better understand how public investment in the arts creates community value and inclusion, not just from an economic perspective but socially and culturally. There is strength and power in the arts—in their role in expressing and exploring the uniqueness of other cultures, in demonstrating the value of creativity of people of all abilities, as well as their key role with health and wholeness, and caring for and nurturing those with conditions such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s and others.
Participation is a critical component of making our arts and community events a success. So I bring a strong focus on inclusivity and accessibility, embracing Canberra’s diversity of cultures, heritage, sexualities, age, income, gender, ability and location. Upgrades to a range of community arts facilities will support community access to the arts and arts development. I will ensure that Canberra has an events calendar that maximises social, cultural and economic benefits for the Canberra region.
Finally for today, I wish to note my strong commitment to enhancing the wellbeing and social inclusion here in Canberra for our veterans and seniors. We are healthier and we are living longer. We know we have, and will continue to have, more ageing Canberrans than ever. This is a great gift and asset for our city and our community. So I will be leading work to further enhance Canberra as an age‐friendly city. I am acutely aware of the substantial reforms to aged care occurring at the national level. As part of the way that I am already getting down to the business of government, I
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