Page 62 - Week 01 - Tuesday, 9 February 2010
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MS GALLAGHER: There we go! Surely, when the economy falters or there is a technical recession, it is all my fault.
Opposition members interjecting—
MR SPEAKER: Ms Gallagher, the question.
Mr Smyth interjecting—
MS GALLAGHER: Surely, Mr Smyth, the ACT enjoys top economy, leading the country—some kudos has to be given to the Treasurer that is responsible for everything, of course, in this jurisdiction. I think all of the hopes and desires of the Liberals that the economy would falter, that the budget would struggle, not actually coming through again will require that little strategic male think-tank to go back and have another little look at that.
MR SPEAKER: Ms Gallagher!
MS GALLAGHER: In relation to the Expenditure Review and Evaluation Committee, the $4½ million is the top limit of arrangements that are being put in place. There is no expectation that that limit will be reached. A panel of consultants has been put together, if it is needed. Not one cent of that expenditure has been spent or approved. If it is needed over the next couple of years as we work through the budget plan to look at savings to our budget—
Opposition members interjecting—
MS GALLAGHER: We have a huge task ahead of us. Again Mr Smyth is smiling. I am sure he is enjoying the fact that this government has to find savings in the order of $122 million. We still need to find those savings. It is a big task. It is more than we delivered through the functional review, from memory. We have a big task ahead of us and, yes, at times we are going to rely on expert consultants from outside to have a look and examine our internal structures to make sure they are efficient and effective. Every government does it. In terms of rolling through the plan, you will see, Mr Speaker, when I table the budget review just how correct the budget strategy was—just how correct our strategy was—to implement a longer term recovery, to take time to look at savings to the budget.
Mr Smyth interjecting—
MR SPEAKER: Mr Smyth!
MS GALLAGHER: Those savings are real; they have to be made—as opposed to Mr Smyth’s slash and burn, which you were recommending last year. Well, won’t you have egg on your face on Thursday when those budget review documents are tabled!
MR SPEAKER: Mr Doszpot, a supplementary?
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