Page 3476 - Week 08 - Thursday, 23 August 2012
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MR BARR: Thank you, Madam Assistant Speaker. Returning to the Economic Development Directorate line within the budget, we are very pleased, of course, with the establishment of this directorate because it has enabled the government to continue to invest in the city’s future growth through the release of land for new estates, the construction of important new infrastructure for the city and support for local businesses to grow and, importantly, to create jobs. And on that point it is interesting to reflect—
Mrs Dunne interjecting—
MADAM ASSISTANT SPEAKER: Mrs Dunne, please be quiet.
MR BARR: It is interesting to reflect that the most recent ABS data has shown an all-time record level of employment in the Australian Capital Territory. We have never in our history had more people in employment than the most recent ABS data shows—209,100 fellow Canberrans were in employment. I would have thought that would be something to celebrate. But no, Mrs Dunne, poor old Vicki, never one to celebrate good news, poor old, sad sack Vicki, has got to have one negative story, has got to have something to talk down, because the idea that something positive could be happening in her city is just too much to bear from that vantage point, parked at No 4 on the far edge of a fairly talentless frontbench there. It must be pretty disappointing to spend all of your career sitting in that spot.
Opposition members interjecting—
MADAM ASSISTANT SPEAKER: Please be quiet, gentlemen! Mr Hanson and Mr Smyth, if you continue I will warn you.
MR BARR: At least outside this place I can guarantee—and I know these two opposite possibly could—that this frontbench would not be seeking a role in the Muppets as Statler and Waldorf. But these two here, the cranky old men on the balcony, sitting there with their little bit of commentary all the way through, a couple of jokes, keeping it going—
Mr Smyth interjecting—
MADAM ASSISTANT SPEAKER: Mr Smyth, you are now warned.
Mr Hanson: Madam Assistant Speaker, on a point of order.
MR BARR: He is up on his feet.
Mr Hanson: You have just warned Mr Smyth but I would remind you that Mr Barr is not being relevant to the debate. He has basically made a personal attack on Mrs Dunne. He has focused his attention on the opposition in an attempt at ridicule. Could you bring Mr Barr back to the substance of the debate, and that is the budget? Otherwise I think it is unreasonable to expect members of the opposition not to interject.
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