Page 3228 - Week 09 - Wednesday, 23 August 2017
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MR HANSON: Attorney-General, why were efficiency measures applied to the DDP?
MR RAMSAY: I thank Mr Hanson for his question. There are ways for governments to be able to improve delivery of services across government in each budget. I note, for the record, that the savings that the DDP contributed to the JACS budget overall was 0.53 of a per cent of its allocations. Just note: 0.53 of a per cent. I think putting everything in context may be helpful for us as we think through how it is that we can continue to govern for the overall justice system.
MR MILLIGAN: Attorney, when will you allow the DPP to make its own budget submissions?
MR RAMSAY: I thank Mr Milligan for his question, which I note has already been answered. We are looking at the report coming from the review. We will consider that in light of its recommendations on the way that we will be funding the overall justice system, ensuring that we have truly accessible, transparent, timely justice, and considering it in relation to the overall system and not just one element of it.
Transport—connectivity
MS CHEYNE: My question is to the Chief Minister. Chief Minister, why are interstate and international transport connections important for Canberra?
MR BARR: I thank Ms Cheyne for the question. There is no doubt that connectivity, and better connectivity, to regional, national and international markets further enhances our city’s economic offerings. We are focused on establishing new transport links and improving existing ones.
In aviation services, the international links between Canberra and Singapore and Canberra and Wellington have commenced. Soon Qatar airlines will provide a new conduit for local producers to access international markets and provide new opportunities to boost tourism for Canberra. Promotion of our city in international markets demonstrates the direct value of improved transport connectivity, not only for visitor numbers and a higher per visitor spend, but also for a strong tourism industry that employs over 16,000 Canberrans.
Cross-border transport and infrastructure services are a key part of the ACT-New South Wales memorandum of understanding for regional collaboration. An upgrade of the Sydney-Canberra rail corridor is a priority. It would certainly deliver significant productivity gains through reduced travel time and diverted traffic volume from the Federal and Hume highways, and would lead to increased travel between Canberra and Sydney. The benefits of an even faster high-speed rail linkage for both cities and communities along the corridor would also be significant.
MS CHEYNE: Chief Minister, how has the ACT Government been working to improve transport connections?
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