Page 2021 - Week 06 - Tuesday, 5 June 2018

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significant further investment to ensure vulnerable Canberrans can access safe, suitable and affordable housing, and we are taking the time to get this right in partnership with service providers, clients and the sector.

The ACT Government is doing what we can to support vulnerable Canberrans and families who are finding it hard. But our programs and services are only one part of the equation.

Today, I add the ACT Government’s backing to calls being voiced around Australia for a rise in the level of income support available through Newstart. At just $273 a week—some $400 less than the national minimum wage—the current rate of Newstart is too low to help people get back on their feet when they end up out of work. Instead, it simply traps them in disadvantage.

Progress towards lifting Newstart was a glaring omission in last month’s Commonwealth Budget, and we urge all sides of the Federal Parliament to do the just thing by providing better support for Canberrans, and all Australians, who rely on it.

A better Canberra, as we grow

Canberra’s growth is both a challenge and an opportunity.

As a Government, it challenges us to think harder about how this city works, where we need to invest more and what we can do smarter, better or differently.

As Canberrans, it challenges us all to consider what we value about this unique place we call home; what we can protect and preserve, and what will change.

For this city, and our community, the opportunities are limited only by our collective imagination and goodwill.

We believe Canberra can take hold of the opportunities in front of us. By growing services for our growing city through the 2018-19 Budget, we are backing our community to do it.

Debate (on motion by Mr Coe) adjourned to the next sitting.

Appropriation (Office of the Legislative Assembly) Bill 2018-2019

Mr Barr, pursuant to notice, presented the bill, its explanatory statement, a Human Rights Act compatibility statement and the following supplementary papers:

Budget 2018-2019—Financial Management Act, pursuant to sections 20AA and 20AC—Appropriation (Office of the Legislative Assembly) Bill 2018-2019—Departures from Recommended Appropriations—Statement of Reasons.

Title read by Clerk.


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