Page 4014 - Week 13 - Wednesday, 1 December 2021
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hard to deliver for the residents of Tuggeranong. It has been a pleasure to be able to help so many of our constituents. As we head towards the holiday season, I hope south-siders and all Canberrans can enjoy a well-deserved rest and catch up with family and friends.
I thought 2020 was a difficult year, but I think 2021 has been even more challenging. I want to acknowledge and thank all Canberrans for how they have responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is because of their good work, adhering to the Chief Health Officer’s advice and getting the jab, that our city has done so well.
I am heartened by the Chief Minister’s remarks earlier in the week about the V-shaped economy recovery that is emerging. It is very important for our city and very important for workers. Our city would not be in the position it is without the leadership of our Chief Minister. He has guided the territory throughout the toughest two years we have ever had. He is a leader who cares about our city and everyone who lives here. He has worked every day to keep us safe, and he has done this with a compassion and passion for every Canberran.
I also want to acknowledge the Deputy Chief Minister and the Minister for Health. Together with our Chief Minister, these friends of mine have helped steer our city to be the envy of the world when it comes to managing the pandemic. I have known these three ministers for a long time, and I am glad that all Canberrans have had the chance to see their skills, care and compassion. At the core of their being is a respect for workers and looking after people. These values are shared across our caucus, our party and our broader union movement.
This government values every worker and will always work to ensure that every job is a secure job because it is only Labor that understands a secure job is good for our economy, good for families and good for everyone’s health and wellbeing. I am proud of the work that we have delivered this year to support workers.
In partnership with Minister Steel, we have undertaken significant reform to improve government procurement and support secure local jobs. There is more to do. And we will be rolling up our sleeves next year and working closely with the union movement to enhance workers’ rights, safety and conditions.
My Christmas wish is for a federal Labor government. I know Albo shares our values of looking after workers and the most vulnerable people in our community. Many of the government’s initiatives would have been enhanced if we had had a federal government that cared, a government that wanted to put out fires, even, I would say, a government willing to hold a hose. Unfortunately, this Prime Minister is all pose and spin.
As we head to the holiday period, I want everyone to put this year behind them and take a well-earned break. This includes our hard-working public servants. Many of our public servants have been on duty for almost two years, helping our city navigate one emergency after another. Everyone in the service has been crucial to keeping our city safe. There is so much work to do next year in making our city even greater. But we need everyone to rest and recover.
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