Page 1902 - Week 05 - Thursday, 6 May 2010

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So, at the end of the day, we have got a budget that does the job but we would like to see some more connection with the plans that have been developed and that longer term vision, that moving towards a sustainable economy, and we look forward to more investigation of the budget during the estimates process.

Mr Stanhope: We can’t wait, either, Meredith.

Ms Bresnan: I’m sure you can’t.

Mr Stanhope: We’re in agreement on everything.

Mr Hanson: As per usual.

MR ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Mr Hargreaves): Order, members! Mr Hanson, please.

Mr Hanson: The communist alliance.

MR ASSISTANT SPEAKER: Mr Hanson!

Mr Stanhope: Hear, hear!

Ms Gallagher: Poor Jeremy. Feeling unloved.

MR ASSISTANT SPEAKER: Chief Minister, Treasurer, please do not bait the unfortunate Mr Hanson.

Mr Hanson: Don’t wind me up.

MR ASSISTANT SPEAKER: Yes. Mr Smyth, you have the floor, uninterrupted, I hope.

MR SMYTH (Brindabella) (3.41): Members, it is my melancholy duty to respond to the 2010 ACT budget. It is a melancholy duty because it is a budget that lacks vision and an appropriate response to the circumstances of this time. If you were looking for budget surpluses, you would be disappointed; they are not there. If you were looking for a fiscal policy strategy, you would be disappointed; it is not there. If you were looking for structural change, you would be disappointed; it is not there.

Mr Stanhope: You shouldn’t be criticising your leader like that.

MR ASSISTANT SPEAKER: Chief Minister!

Mr Stanhope: He’s talking about the statement—

MR ASSISTANT SPEAKER: I know, but sport is sport, Chief Minister.

MR SMYTH: If you were looking for diversification of the economic base, you would be disappointed; it is not there. If you were looking for tax relief in particular,


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