Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .
Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2000 Week 6 Hansard (24 May) . . Page.. 1665 ..
MR HUMPHRIES (continuing):
I know that Ms Tucker has difficulty with some of the initiatives which constitute social capital-things like the grant to Impulse Airlines. But I repeat the point made by this government many times that it is by creating opportunities for job creation in the ACT that we give people the best kind of assistance to take part in the community. As a result of these resources being provided, people are able to be employed and participate fully in their community. Therefore, the grant to Impulse is not about helping an airline; it is about helping citizens in this community who will be employed by that airline when it comes to this city. So, Mr Speaker, that is the explanation.
Clearly the government has directed a number of resources into this program of works, this dividend to the community as we put it in this part of the budget papers. Other areas of government continue to experience efficiencies. Funds are being directed to the areas where they are, in the government's view, most needed, and that is set out in the pages I have just referred to. Some have been mentioned already here today. For example, there will be further reductions in urban services to make urban services more effective and efficient. A number of agencies of government are still expected to achieve efficiencies.
The issue of the territory having a higher level of operating expense than the Australian average for each of the services it provides remains a concern of this government. In other words, we do not believe there is any necessarily good reason why it should be 15 or 20 per cent more expensive to deliver a service in our hospital than it is in equivalent hospitals in other parts of Australia. So Mr Moore, despite the growth funding which has been given in the budget for emerging needs in health, will still have to find efficiencies to meet targets set for his portfolio. Other portfolios have a similar discipline. I cannot give Ms Tucker a breakdown of those figures now, but I will take that question on notice and provide her with detailed information.
MR WOOD: My question is to the Treasurer. Minister, your social capital document says:
Social capital is a basis of our quality of life in Canberra.
And another quote:
Canberra has strong social capital, with well developed networks based on shared interests, enduring relationships and trust.
Note the word "trust". And you even said that social capital is:
... about people and neighbours looking out for one another and taking an interest in their community.
Minister, do you really understand anything about this concept? If you do, how does it fit in with your government's action yesterday when residents of Red Hill flats and Mawson Gardens were summoned in the afternoon by notes in their letter boxes to a meeting today to tell them that their lives will soon be considerably changed either by redevelopment or, in the case of Mawson Gardens, sale of the sites and their homes.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .