Page 4907 - Week 13 - Thursday, 2 November 2017
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city even better, that he might seek to work with the government on the things we can agree on, at least for the first couple of years, to show Canberrans that the Canberra Liberals could be a constructive force for good.
Unfortunately, I was wrong. Instead, as a new member in this place, I have been constantly disappointed by the disingenuous approach taken by those opposite to pretty much every issue that has arisen. It has, in fact, taken me some time to come to terms with this. But, sadly, I am no longer surprised by the pettiness and partisan politicking that we see here today.
It is clear that 16 years in opposition has left the Canberra Liberals without experience or understanding of government. At best they are misinformed, and at worst they act to wilfully mislead. We see it time and again in this place. Regardless of the facts, in fact often with complete disregard for the truth or the impact that they will have on people’s lives, those opposite engage in the confected outrage of a party devoid of ideas. And that is exactly what we see on display today: an opposition more interested in mudslinging than engaging in ideas.
It is regrettable that we find ourselves in this place today having this debate rather than dealing with the issues that the people of Canberra are concerned with. On this side of the chamber we want to discuss the real issues. We want to discuss our plan for a stronger, fairer and more inclusive city, our investment in growing and diversifying Canberra’s economy to create more and better jobs—something the Chief Minister has championed over many years—and our vision for a city that is a great place to live, work and raise a family because we are a government with a vision for this city, a vision for a better future.
In contrast, those opposite have no vision and no alternative. That is why they resort to the politics of wrecking and negativity. I have no doubt that Canberrans see and understand this. I have no doubt about that because last year’s election result made it clear. The Canberra Liberals are out of government because they are out of touch and out of their depth. They are more interested in disingenuous innuendo than articulating their alternative vision for our city. This is not the strategy of an alternative government or an alternative chief minister. It is not the way this place should be or should operate.
I have on occasion seen the productive way of working that can be afforded by the closeness of this place. Rather than the confected outrage on display today, I challenge those opposite to reflect on the impact of their negativity on Canberrans but also on their own chances of ever getting into government. I challenge them to consider working constructively with us to deliver the best outcomes for Canberrans. The strategy of petty politics for the sake of politics is counterproductive and serves no-one well, least of all the Canberra community.
MR PETTERSSON (Yerrabi) (12.12): Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Parton: Here we go.
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