Page 111 - Week 01 - Tuesday, 9 December 2008
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In many ways my role as Treasurer is enhanced by my portfolio responsibilities in the area of community services. Government strives to provide for a sustainable community—socially, economically and environmentally. There is a connection between managing a strong economy which allows the citizens of Canberra to prosper and participate with support for those in need, those seeking inclusion and those supporting the vulnerable in our community.
We will invest in our community infrastructure, provide specific support services and work with our community partners to improve people’s lives. We will be listening, investing and delivering. We will be making further investments in Therapy ACT, in areas like speech pathology, early intervention, family support, equipment, autism programs and therapeutic play groups to ensure the children of Canberra are provided with the support that they require to reach their full potential.
We will continue to invest in services and support to assist carers who tirelessly support some of our community’s most vulnerable citizens with a carer’s card, a charter of rights for carers and the establishment of a carer’s advocacy service. We will provide extra support for grandparents who are the primary carers of their grandchildren and create a flexible support fund to make it easier for carers to access support programs and activities.
We will continue to support a wide-ranging concessions program and will support the vital work of our outstanding non-government organisations by addressing wage, conditions and entitlements provisions to ensure the sustainability of the sector. We will be continuing the revitalisation of former school sites to transform them into regional community centres, and we will develop up to eight neighbourhood halls. I am pleased that all community groups that were offered space in the revitalised facilities have accepted those offers. These facilities are important community assets and are central to our endeavour to build a strong and cohesive community.
I conclude by returning to the connection between the economy and the sustainability of our community. We know that many households are feeling the pressure of rising costs of living and the impact of the current financial crisis. We also know from welfare and charity groups that some householders are doing it much tougher than others. The responses we will provide through the second appropriation will assist these vulnerable groups.
The challenges to the territory’s economy are significant. It would be unwise to ignore those challenges. It would also be unwise to talk down the economy because its fundamentals are sound. The principle of prudent financial and economical management will remain at the core of this government’s policy agenda. We have a proven track record in managing our resources effectively and prudently. Our financial and budget strategies have worked to provide a buffer against fiscal shocks. Importantly, they have worked to ensure sustainability of high quality public services in priority areas.
This government will keep the community informed and will engage with industry and businesses to undertake effective and sensible measures to stabilise the economy, create certainty for business and confidence for our community.
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