Page 2241 - Week 06 - Thursday, 6 June 2019

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My aspiration is that every person is respected by their government: that nobody is living in poverty; that nobody is homeless; that owning a property is not out of reach; that we have policies that promote business growth and employment; that we have a health system that is the envy of the world and is a place where people want to work; and that our teachers are given all the resources, options, pathways and training that they deserve and need to support them in delivering education where every single student reaches their potential. I want a city where every person exiting our corrections system leaves more educated, more supported, and free of deadly addictions. I want a city that promotes apprenticeships, trades and tertiary pathways. I want one where every one of us values the enormity of the Aboriginal legacy and future.

I want a city where every parent, grandparent and carer would be joined on their journey by support networks, systems and policies that are working with them, not against them; where every single public servant, on the front line or behind the scenes, is and feels appreciated and supported. I want a city where we all recognise the risk, sleepless nights and benefits of those in our local business community; where we properly manage our environment, whilst ensuring access and enjoyment; where every community and community group can thrive, with places to congregate, to learn, to share, to care and to feel connected; where every person is safe, and nobody needs to flee from their home or live on the streets.

I want every person, regardless of where they come from, who they are, their age, their status, their faith or their ability, to thrive in the national capital. I want a place that every person can afford to live in, and a place where every person is valued by their government. The reality is that this government is ripping them off. We need a government that empowers them. This city is too good for a bad government. Madam Speaker, over the next 500 days, we will continue to do all we can to bring about a government that respects all Canberrans.

MR BARR (Kurrajong—Chief Minister, Treasurer, Minister for Social Inclusion and Equality, Minister for Tourism and Special Events and Minister for Trade, Industry and Investment) (3.23): Madam Assistant Speaker, politeness prevented me from rising in the middle of the Leader of the Opposition’s address in reply. There is a certain amount of leeway that is given for that speech, but he accused me of lying, which is unparliamentary, and he should withdraw.

MADAM ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Ms Cody): Mr Coe?

Mr Coe: If you are requesting me to withdraw, I will do so. However, I am also happy to review the record to see whether I did in fact say that.

MADAM ASSISTANT SPEAKER: Mr Coe, I am asking you to withdraw.

Mr Coe: I withdraw.

MADAM ASSISTANT SPEAKER: Thank you.


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