Page 2435 - Week 09 - Thursday, 17 September 1992
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Another important facet of this budget is the 2 per cent reduction in funding to most agencies - a sensible approach to finetuning management, provided that at the end of the day those agencies over budget have their operations reviewed through a stringent inquiry process. The community has become cynical about budget overruns, and we need to ensure that we build community confidence in the administration of the Territory. We can do this by open government, which accounts for overruns and questions those areas where budgets are exceeded.
Another part of the budget worthy of comment is, of course, the capital works program. Borrowing for this type of expenditure received my endorsement before the budget was handed down, as it is one area where a boost can be given to both jobs and the economy through increased activity. The Planning, Development and Infrastructure Committee recommended that an extra $15m be spent on capital works projects as a means of creating some more activity within the economy, and I am pleased that the program has been increased from $130m in 1991-92 to $147m in 1992-93.
Two of the projects identified in the budget papers deserve particular mention. The first is the refurbishment of South Building as the home of the ACT Legislative Assembly. It is pleasing to see that a commitment has been made to this project. In the context of this project, in my opinion it is also necessary to review the siting of public service departments and to decide how best to accommodate the ACT public service in the future. The second project to which attention is drawn is the West Belconnen infrastructure works. The Planning Committee also recommended that this go ahead, but - and I stress this point - the committee recommended that it "would expect the Government decisions on the variation to the Territory Plan and any issues arising from the impact statements to be finalised before any actual construction work is commenced on this project". While I recognise the need for the Government to set aside money for this project in anticipation that it may go ahead this financial year, it is important that the community is informed of the Planning Committee's recommendations, and ultimately the Assembly's recommendations.
Another budget strategy initiative that I feel lacked elaboration in the budget was the identification of assets surplus to requirements. I note that there is some discussion of asset rationalisation in connection with urban renewal. However, this takes it out of the realm of income production or reuse for community use and places the issue in a development context. This does not give any hope for revenue savings in the short term - the context in which it was mentioned in the budget strategy. I hope that there will be more information on the identification of assets surplus to requirements forthcoming from the Government in the near future to help clarify this issue.
Moving from development to the provision of services, I congratulate the Government on its emphasis on service delivery rather than administration in addressing budget issues. It is important in social justice terms that we concentrate on service delivery to those most in need, particularly as we as an Assembly hold responsibility not only for State functions but also for municipal functions. With this dual function, it is important that we not get overly involved in mechanics but devote our energies and ever dwindling funds to providing the people of Canberra with the services they need in order to take part meaningfully
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