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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1999 Week 5 Hansard (4 May) . . Page.. 1318 ..

MS CARNELL (continuing):

Without financial sustainability, attempts to produce equity and fairness through the budget would be built on foundations of sand. The only way we can create a clever and caring community and guarantee the maintenance of high standards of service is, first, to get our finances in order. This budget marks a watershed in the financial management of the Territory. It is not only fair and equitable but also financially sustainable. It lays the groundwork for the budget to move into genuine surplus in 2000-01, four years ahead of schedule.

This Government has been aggressive in its leadership. We have encouraged Canberrans to believe in their city, unlike those opposite. Our budget strategy reflects this can-do approach to government, and we are proud of that. We have reversed a legacy of irresponsible financial management left by the Labor Party and reflected in the $344m operating loss that we inherited. In its place we have boosted revenue, trimmed spending and won a better financial deal from the Commonwealth. As a result, we will begin the new millennium with our budget in the black and our finances in better shape than at any time since self-government. The only thing we have to fear is a future Labor government taking us right back to where we started. Let me state again that it is only with good financial management that we can deliver the social outcomes and the social capital that Canberrans deserve and expect. Mr Speaker, I commend the 1999-2000 budget to the Assembly.

Debate (on motion by Mr Stanhope ) adjourned.

MS CARNELL (Chief Minister and Treasurer): Mr Speaker, for the information of members, I present the 1999-2000 ownership agreement between me, as Treasurer, and the following chief executives and executives: Chief Minister's Department, Department of Justice and Community Safety, Department of Education and Community Services, Department of Urban Services, Department of Health and Community Care, ACTION, ACT Housing, and ACT Forests.

MS CARNELL (Chief Minister and Treasurer): I present the 1999-2000 statements of intent prepared by the following Territory authorities pursuant to section 58 of the Financial Management Act 1996: Agents Board of the Australian Capital Territory, ACT Community Care, Healthpact, the Milk Authority of the ACT, Australian International Hotel School, Canberra Cemeteries, Cultural Facilities Corporation, Canberra Institute of Technology, Canberra Tourism and Events Corporation, ACT Gambling and Racing Commission, Exhibition Park in Canberra, Gungahlin Development Authority, Legal Aid Commission (ACT), Public Trustee for the ACT, and the Canberra Hospital.

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