Page 2720 - Week 08 - Tuesday, 15 August 2017
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Canberra. My own electorate of Ginninderra will benefit from the completion of stage 2 of the Belconnen Arts Centre, bringing new opportunities for local artists to explore and share their talents. The government will spend $15 million to finalise the design of stage 2 and build it. Stage 2 will make significant improvements to the Arts Centre, including a new 400-seat multipurpose theatre, new workshops and studios, and space for creative residencies and improved galleries.
The ACT government will create more and better jobs by also supporting the continuing growth of our education sector. One in every nine Canberrans works or studies at one of our five local tertiary institutions, including the University of Canberra, in Belconnen. We will continue to build our name as a study destination, attracting both interstate and international students, who make a significant and direct contribution to our economy. And, of course, there was the announcement a few hours ago.
I am also very proud that we will be investing to increase the role of women in developing our economy. A career as a tradesperson is a fantastic option for someone looking for a practical, interesting and rewarding job. I am sure I do not need to tell you that, Madam Assistant Speaker. That is true whether you are male or female. Unfortunately, this is not reflected in the number of women in many trades. For too long, male-dominated industries have been missing out on the skills and ideas of women who did not know about them or did not feel comfortable in putting up their hand. The government is investing $1 million over four years to deliver a strategy to address the low proportion of females in some trades and to assist mature-age workers to upskill and to re-skill.
We are also making significant investment in women in sport, to build the opportunities for professional female athletes. The performance agreement with the Canberra Capitals basketball team will be extended, with a commitment of $250,000 per year for four years, and a new permanent basketball court will be built in the convention centre for the team’s use. We are also increasing our support for the Canberra United women’s football team to $125,000 per year.
The ACT government is investing to make sure our economy continues to diversify and strengthen. We are not just a public service town, despite what some in the federal government may think. We are a tourism hotspot, a cultural hub, a sports centre, in some places a construction zone, and so much more. Our economy is growing, and we are creating more and better jobs for Canberra. With our efforts, we can expect around 3,000 jobs to be created every year over the next four years. Not bad for our nation’s capital.
MR BARR (Kurrajong—Chief Minister, Treasurer, Minister for Economic Development and Minister for Tourism and Major Events) (5.03): I thank members for their contribution to the debate on the Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate appropriation. The directorate leads the territory’s public sector and works collaboratively, both within government and with the broader community, to achieve positive outcomes. The directorate serves to drive a focused, one-government approach to the delivery of services to the people of the ACT, along
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