Page 1281 - Week 05 - Thursday, 25 June 1992
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Moving to the tobacco tax, New South Wales and Victoria wasted no time in increasing taxes on these products after the Premiers Conference. Given our geographical position in relation in those two States, it was not unexpected that the ACT would follow suit. I also feel that it is responsible to recoup additional costs from the sale of cigarettes, given the consequences smoking has for our health system.
Likewise, the adoption of higher alcohol tax is in line with our closest neighbouring States, and it encourages the consumption of low-alcohol beverages. Again there are health implications from overconsumption of alcohol, and I am sure that any move to reduce the risk to drinkers will be a positive move in the long term.
The retention of the petrol franchise, like the previous two increases, was not unexpected. At 6.5c a litre, the ACT remains on the same level as it has been for the past two years. It is anticipated that New South Wales will index up to this level in the near future. With regard to Canberra's high petrol prices, we will see later what measures the Government feels are necessary to bring us into line with New South Wales consumers.
The Chief Minister has outlined the need for rises in ACTION and parking charges to recoup more revenue from commuters, to help reduce the deficit. We have seen the ACTION deficit used as a political football in recent weeks and I applaud the Government's bid to bring this deficit down. At the same time, a review of the parking charges will not encourage commuters to use their vehicles. Park and Ride and Three for Free promotions are excellent, promoting the sensible use of vehicles and encouraging the use of public transport. There is a need for a balance in the availability of long stay and short stay parking, and a need to fine tune parking arrangements in concert with a comprehensive public transport and parking strategy. This is a very important part of overall planning processes.
We need to pay close attention to the wide-ranging needs of people in our community. We must consider regular commuters who use bus and car transport to get to work and home as well as families with child-care commitments who have particular needs with regard to the time taken in travelling, accommodating the needs of young children and the distances from accessible public transport - a fairly topical consideration, given the current inclement weather. We must also consider access to shopping facilities, and the needs of people working and living in various town centres across Canberra, and how their needs vary from those working in the central business district. These needs have to be evaluated on an ongoing basis, particularly as new developments such as outer suburbs in Tuggeranong and Gungahlin come on line.
The TAFE increases reflect the Government's commitment over three years to recoup more money from students for TAFE studies. Student representatives recommended a phasing in of these extra charges and that the inequities between full-time and part-time students be addressed. This has occurred. A concessional system also operates, which reduces charges for people receiving the family allowance supplement or holding health benefit cards. Importantly, as a response to the notice of motion passed in this ACT Legislative Assembly earlier this year, fees for adult literacy courses have been abolished.
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