Page 3245 - Week 07 - Thursday, 1 July 2010
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I would like to take the opportunity to make a couple of final remarks on the budget. As we are now at the end of the process, I think it is worth briefly reflecting on that process. As a small parliament, we are in an almost unique position where every member of the opposition and the crossbench makes an in-principle speech and makes extensive comments during the detailed stage. All non-executive members participate and ask questions during the estimates committee process.
We have a comprehensive estimates report as well as a dissenting report that provides another point of view. I note that the committee report recommended a review of the process to ensure that it is as effective as it can be. But, overall, it must be said that we have all had the opportunity to put our arguments, and there can be no doubt in the community about where each of the parties sits on the key issues and even many of the minor issues within the budget.
Many hours have been spent questioning and arguing for alternative outcomes as well as defending the proposed appropriation, and I think this task of putting those views has been acquitted well. I think the estimates process achieved some positive outcomes as well as highlighting particular limitations that as a parliament we should address.
We have had the benefit of independent economic analysis of the budget as well as the views and perspectives of a broad range of community groups. I think it is fair to say that we are all aware of the economic circumstances and the consequences of the expenditure as perceived from the broad range of viewpoints. It would be different if it was a Greens’ budget; it would reflect different priorities and make different choices. Greater emphasis would be put on achieving better environmental outcomes and supporting those most in need in our community. Different infrastructure would be built; it would provide people with a better range of transport options and lay a better foundation for our economy into transition to zero emissions.
I have said on many occasions that, particularly in regard to the infrastructure spend, we must be very careful to ensure that we are providing high quality assets that will be useful and relevant to the future taxpayers who will pay for them. We know that the economy must change, and the Greens are concerned that we provide the infrastructure and skills for that new economy rather than taking the easy option of just addressing the short-term demand.
Given the current economic climate and the broader circumstances we find ourselves in, the Greens’ view is that, with the above concerns noted, the budget is fiscally responsible. We support the position that has been adopted to gradually return the budget to surplus rather than cut services. The budget funds some initiatives from the parliamentary agreement, and the Greens are pleased to have been able to secure the provision of these initiatives for the Canberra community.
The measures that we have pushed for represent value for money. They are efficient and pragmatic initiatives that will achieve results and make a practical difference to the people of Canberra—for example, the continuation and extension of the Redex bus service, new park and ride facilities, money for swim schools, an increase in mental health funding, a small increase in the purchase of renewable energy, and a feasibility study for the Gungahlin shopfront. We are also pleased to see a small
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