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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2000 Week 6 Hansard (25 May) . . Page.. 1811 ..

MR STANHOPE (continuing):

If social capital is one of the four cornerstones on which the economic wellbeing of the territory is built, it should surely be addressed in each year, not in the sixth year of a government that has one eye on the next election. No, what the 20 social capital initiatives do is give the Chief Minister 20 photo opportunities, 20 opportunities to express her excitement at Canberra's unlimited potential-a potential that Labor recognises and wants to see realised. Needs in these areas are important, too important for the fairy floss of this government's initiative, an initiative more a creation of a public relations machine.

The Chief Minister often speaks of the Carnell government's-never, of course, the Liberals'-vision for Canberra. She spoke of it again yesterday, and of how budgets were important because they formed the basis of a government's vision or plan. I said earlier that Labor regarded the budget as the most important document any government produced between elections. Budgets should be constructed around a government's view of how the jurisdiction over which they preside should grow and prosper. They should indicate how scarce resources are to be prioritised to meet the complexity of needs of a diverse and thriving community.

The same is sometimes said of responses to budgets. That said, this is not an election year and I am not here to detail our plans so far out from an election. But Labor's priorities are clear and they will form the framework of what we take to the electorate in October next year, the detail of which the ALP is currently fully engaged in developing.

Mr Speaker, Labor's priorities will be to ensure sound financial management, social responsibility so that the weakest and most vulnerable are protected and opportunities are provided for this vibrant community to realise its full potential, that the burdens on education and health are lifted, and strong and consistent regional development.

Labor believes that there is a need to establish long-term balanced budgets to provide the stability that will promote economic investment and allow the opportunity for government to provide the support that is necessary for community organisations. It is not good enough to grab an unexpected windfall and scatter it away on half-baked, afterthought social policy designed more for self-promotion than benefit to the community.

A cornerstone of Labor's financial management would be a greater immediate focus on the superannuation liability. The government has been far too slow to address the problem in any meaningful manner. Its current breast beating on the subject is belied by its performance.

Labor believes that there is a need to revise the general rating system to resolve the competing interests of long-term residents with those of redevelopment. We would look at options for an extended ownership rebate and for rates deferment.

Under Labor, business incentive programs would focus more than they currently do on local firms employing local people. Our business development strategy would focus on regional development and the promotion of the knowledge-based economy. But we would not neglect other industries. It is essential for solid economic growth to broaden the economic base of the territory.

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