Page 499 - Week 02 - Wednesday, 15 February 2017
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The work of economic diversification and the growth of private industry in the Australian Capital Territory have become urgent because of the ongoing attacks on our local economy by the Liberals across the lake.
The wage suppression policies of the Liberals and Nationals, implemented in collusion with their One Nation buddies, not only undermine the rights of public servants and the welfare of their families, but should be considered an attack on our city as a whole. When local people are denied the opportunity for a permanent, stable and properly paid job, they are unable to get a mortgage, unable to engage local services, and unable to support local business.
At the time John Howard and Peter Costello imposed an unnecessary recession on this city, I worked in small business. I remember not only the suffering and losses of those whose families were thrown into unemployment, but the effects on local businesses. When the primary job losses in the public service put thousands out of work, the secondary effects meant a generation missed out on apprenticeships, small businesses failed for want of customers, and land values suffered due to an exodus of skilled workers.
It is a credit to the Stanhope, Gallagher and Barr governments that they have built up a local economy resilient enough to resist the attacks of Abbott and Turnbull. That does not mean we do not have to remain vigilant. The federal government continues its attempt to shrink real incomes in Canberra via its wage policy and other attacks, such as the proposal to move the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority, despite the opposition of their staff, veterinarians and the agricultural industry in Australia. I hope all members are supportive of the Community and Public Sector Union’s campaign in this case.
We are a government that is creating the right conditions for business to grow and prosper. This is important not only because of the jobs that are created, as well as the services and products that are provided, but also because of the broader economic base that this represents for the ACT economy. The Barr government’s broadening of our economy is a crucial part of our macroeconomic strategy to make us less reliant on the commonwealth public service and more able to withstand any large cuts to it, as we know the Liberals so desperately want to make.
I am pleased to be able to inform the Assembly that our strategy is working. The latest Sensis business survey shows that ACT business confidence improved markedly in the December 2016 quarter, rising 11 percentage points to reach 46 per cent, the equal second highest quarterly increase of any state or territory. This is also eight percentage points higher than it was in December 2015. Importantly, over the next 12 months, ACT businesses have a very positive outlook. For sales, our business outlook is the most positive in Australia; and for prices, profitability and capital expenditure, our businesses have the second most positive outlook in Australia. ACT businesses are confident of their future and expanding their operations, creating jobs and adding to the vibrancy of this city.
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