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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1996 Week 12 Hansard (21 November) . . Page.. 4082 ..

MS TUCKER (continuing):

We just cannot keep saying, "When we get the economy right, then we will fix up the rest. We will look after the poor and the environment then". New Zealand has tried this approach. After about 15 or so years of reform they are still saying that they have not quite got the economy right yet and will look after the poor later. The economy is never right. It is no wonder that one of the fastest-growing industries in New Zealand is food banks and that about 15 per cent of the people who are desperate enough to use them are employed.

This budget was framed in quite difficult times. We acknowledge that. But, as I have just argued, we are in this cycle where we are constantly in difficult times as far as the economy is concerned. It comes down to priorities. Can the vulnerable people in the community wait a little longer? Can we sell off our public housing stock because public housing tenants are an easy, weak target? Can we afford to cut the environment department? Can we afford to dismantle the public transport system? We always seem to find money for developments when we need to, so that argument is wearing a bit thin. Community services are stretched to the limit, and it is only going to get worse with the Federal Government's job cuts and their cuts to services.

Finally, I would like to make a comment about tax. The Greens would like to encourage Mrs Carnell to lead the debate in the appropriate forums about the need for tax reform. While we think this Government has its priorities wrong - - -

Mr De Domenico: What sorts of reforms?

MS TUCKER: Mr De Domenico interjects, "What sorts of reforms?". There has actually been a tax summit. If you have no idea of the reforms being discussed in Australia right now, I suggest that you do some homework. As a leader in this society, you have a responsibility to have more knowledge than this. I seek a very short extension, Mr Speaker.

MR SPEAKER: You are allowed another 10 minutes. You have a choice. You may take that now.

MS TUCKER (12.09 am) : Although the Greens may disagree about the form of tax reform that should take place, I am sure we could agree on some basic principles to carry us forward.

MRS CARNELL (Chief Minister and Treasurer) (12.10 am): Mr Speaker, because we are doing Chief Minister's and OFM now, for the information of members and pursuant to section 26 of the Financial Management Act 1996, I present to the Legislative Assembly the financial management report for the period ended 30 September 1996.

MR MOORE (12.11 am): This evening - I should say this morning - I want to warn you about something that you may be very worried about, Mr Speaker - social experiments, turning our society into a social laboratory. I have heard you publicly express concern about this Assembly turning this community into a social laboratory. Mr Speaker, I know this is of great worry to you, so I want to warn you about what occurs in this budget.

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