Page 2458 - Week 06 - Thursday, 23 June 2011
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He thought that ACT families had never had it better than under John Howard’s extreme and unfair workplace relations laws. He now thinks that hardworking ACT public servants do not deserve decent working conditions. He is clearly out of touch with the Canberra community, except perhaps for the narrow sectoral interests of some at the big end of town. The only shingle that hangs outside the opposition leader’s office is “Rent seekers, seek your reward here. I will champion your cause.”
Leadership in government is about delivering for the people. Labor keeps its election commitments. We have promised and delivered on record commitments and investments in health, record investments in education, record delivery on infrastructure, the most ambitious land release and affordable housing strategy in the territory’s history, a commitment to tackling climate change and all within the framework of strong economic management. As a minister in this government since 2002, the Chief Minister has been involved in delivering in all of these areas.
Compare this, again, with her opposite number, who has delivered, in fact, the Canberra Liberals’ worst result ever under the Hare-Clark system. That is the evidence—the worst result ever under the Hare-Clark system. Mr Smyth, as opposition leader, did better—considerably better, actually. It is a point I am sure he makes to his colleagues from time to time when their dissatisfaction with the opposition leader’s leadership rumbles to the surface. Of course, Mr Hanson and perhaps Mr Coe are also leadership challengers, should the inevitable occur in the near future.
Mr Speaker, a good leader must have a vision for the future and a vision that will inspire those around him. This week we have seen the new Chief Minister deliver this. Ms Gallagher has outlined her government’s priorities. She has committed herself and, indeed, all on this side of the chamber to delivering a more liveable and sustainable city, more timely access to health care, more housing options, better public transport, a robust local economy and improvements in public safety.
The Chief Minister has indicated accountability as part of her job and a commitment to report back to the people of Canberra on progress in these areas in six months time. Now compare this again to her opposite number. Monty Python observed in the 1960s that the shortest book ever written was 1,000 years of German humour. I think that perhaps they were wrong. The shortest read you will ever see is the comprehensive policies of the Canberra Liberals and the shortest conversation anyone in this city can have is to ask a member of the Canberra Liberals what are their policies.
Mr Speaker, a leader must be open and a leader must be honest. Just prior to this debate this afternoon, the people of Canberra heard of the Chief Minister’s plan to make ACT government more open and more accountable. The Chief Minister will make cabinet issues and decisions public on a weekly basis. We will establish an open government website within three months and the Chief Minister, and indeed all members of cabinet, will be available to the people of Canberra using a variety of new social media on a regular basis. The Chief Minister is happy to put Labor’s plans before the people of the ACT and happy to take their feedback on board.
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