Page 5494 - Week 13 - Wednesday, 17 November 2010
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
and responsibility has been in relation to this.” The fact is that over the last decade the increase in the ACT has been lower than the national average. So rather than condemning us for the increase in electricity prices, you might note that we have managed, here in the ACT, to keep electricity prices—
Mr Seselja: He wants congratulations on 70 per cent increases.
MR STANHOPE: Well, you might note it.
Mr Seselja: You want congratulations on a 70 per cent increase.
MR STANHOPE: What do you think about the fact that it is lower than the national average? So you think that is irrelevant? You are not concerned about that. You are not interested in the fact that you put a number out there and what the number reveals under closer analysis is that it is a lower number than most other states have been able to achieve and it is lower than the national average. It is relevant that prices for electricity in the ACT are not set by this government.
Opposition members interjecting—
MR SPEAKER: Order! Mr Stanhope, one moment, please. Members, Mr Seselja gave a passionate speech as well and was heard in silence. I expect the Chief Minister to be afforded similar respect.
MR STANHOPE: Thank you, Mr Speaker. The point needs to be made that, yes, there have been increases in prices, but in any sensible, intelligent discussion around these issues, you have to look at the context. You have to be able to compare it. You have to look at what else has happened in relation to other movements in wages and salaries, CPI and inflation, and if you want an intelligent debate you have to compare it with what is happening in other places.
In relation to electricity, which the Liberal Party go to, as I say, over the last decade increases in electricity prices in the ACT have been lower than the national average. There has been some focus on water and, of course, we are all very sensitive to issues around water in the ACT—after a 10-year drought, the water restrictions that we faced, the pressure that we faced and the major concern expressed within this community in relation to water and its availability and the sustainability of our city. We have moved to address those issues, those concerns, to ensure a secure future in relation to water.
Once again, of course, it does have to be remembered, recognised and acknowledged in any sensible debate or conversation around these issues that it is the ICRC—it is not the government—that sets the price. The price is set by an independent regulator and that is a relevant consideration in any conversation around issues relating to water and electricity. To not do so really does not provide an appropriate context. It remains the case that, in relation to water, there are relativities between the price here and other cities. On average, a water bill in the ACT does relate very closely to prices that are being charged in other places. Indeed, it is lower than in some major cities and major centres around Australia.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video