Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .

Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2002 Week 8 Hansard (27 June) . . Page.. 2380 ..

MR CORNWELL (continuing):

A study of Labor's history in Australia shows that they are typically big spending, big taxing governments with a complete absence of responsible fiscal management.

The ACT has already had a taste of Labor's supposed responsible handling of the books under Rosemary Follett-and we all know the result of that.

It took the Liberals six years to put that right.

This Budget shows that Mr Quinlan's version of Labor is no different.

There is record spending and a plague of tax increases that-even in their best light-are simply anti-family.

There is no provision for private sector job growth.

In short, this is not good news for the Territory.

Cuts to road maintenance and residential amenity further undermine the case made by our former "accountant of the year" to responsible money management.

It is false economy to run down infrastructure to spend on short-term social programs.

That is what this Budget does, and I think that eliminates any claims to fiscal responsibility.

MR SPEAKER: Order! Mr Cornwell, a moment ago I heard you say of Mr Quinlan, "disingenuous claims of honesty". I think that is a bit close to the mark and I think that-

MR CORNWELL: I am only quoting, Mr Speaker. What do I do?

MR SPEAKER: Well, I would like to see you withdraw it.

MR CORNWELL: I will withdraw it but you must understand I am quoting from a prepared speech.

MR SPEAKER: Okay. Thank you, Mr Cornwell.

Mrs Dunne: Are you withdrawing on your own behalf?

MR CORNWELL: I am withdrawing it. I will continue:

Several Government backbench Members have already enthusiastically applauded the size of the Government's win at the last election.

Might I suggest that they enjoy it while they can, Mr Speaker, and we'll see what the electorate thinks next time.

My belief is that Labor has been so long out of the government in the ACT that at the last election the people of Canberra have forgotten what a Labor government actually looked like.

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .