Page 1933 - Week 05 - Thursday, 5 May 2011
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land release program. These are, of course, laudable goals, but, as I said, there remain significant challenges that have yet to be overcome.
Just on land release, the budget proposes to release 18,500 dwelling sites over the forward estimates. Whilst we recognise the need to address the housing shortage, continual greenfield development is inherently unsustainable, and alternative solutions do need to be found. We are a long way from the goal of 50 per cent greenfield and 50 per cent brownfield development, and the overall costs for the community will, of course, be higher the more the city spreads out.
Once again, we have seen a significant increase in the health budget. The community expects, and we support, the provision of the best possible health facilities. However, we are particularly disappointed that there has been little attention on preventative health. I do not think the minister even mentioned it in her speech. The acknowledgement of the importance of this issue appears not to have been translated into action. Governments can no longer continue to operate under a health model that only responds to sickness. Something like half of the presentations to hospitals are because of diseases and illnesses caused by preventable lifestyle factors.
On mental health, the Greens are very pleased with the increase in funding. It is something we have advocated very strongly for and is an area of particular need within our health system. Unfortunately, I have to reiterate some of the concerns I have about broader health funding in that the new mental health funding remains very much focused on acute services without matching early intervention services to keep people healthy and participating in the community.
Of the around $5 million in new funds to be spent each year in coming years, only $500,000 of that is on the community sector, which we know plays a vital role in keeping people out of acute services in the first place. Similarly, new spending for child protection services focuses on children and young people who are predominantly in crisis. The balance is again out on prevention versus early intervention. We are of course pleased that more is being spent on this issue, and the need to invest in the health and wellbeing of our children and young people cannot be overstated.
The ACT Greens are concerned that there was no evidence of forward planning in relation to the imminent decision for Fair Work Australia on wages claims made on behalf of the community sector workforce, although I acknowledge that yesterday at the community sector budget forum the Treasurer said she remains committed to funding these wage increases.
The pay gap between community sector workers and those doing equal or comparable work is irrefutable. With 85 per cent of the community sector workforce being women, this creates a significant gender pay gap that we have a responsibility to address. The community sector delivers vital services to the community in areas where the government, for a range of legitimate reasons, simply cannot. The ACT Greens will pursue this issue vigorously and remain committed to ensuring fair wages for community sector workers.
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