Page 145 - Week 01 - Wednesday, 26 February 2014
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(c) support the growth of key sectors such as education, information and communication technology and professional services;
(d) support the growth of exports from the Territory; and
(e) continue to work with local business to seek transitional support from the Federal Government to offset the negative impact caused to the ACT economy by cuts to the Australian public sector.
Around the country we are witnessing a decline in employment opportunities, whether they are in Victoria or South Australia, through the pending withdrawal of Ford, Toyota and Holden, or Qantas reportedly looking to dismiss 5,000 workers. There are employment and economic challenges right across Australia. Here in Canberra, the federal government has promised to cut the jobs of many thousands of Australian public servants. Whilst they argue the reduction will be through natural attrition, nonetheless, a decline in employees will have a direct impact on the ACT economy and community. The 1996 experience of radical cuts, and the associated downturn of our economy, is an experience that is still fresh in Canberra’s collective consciousness.
It is in this context that I speak to the motion on the importance of protecting jobs in the ACT. As I have said before in this chamber, defending jobs is not just a matter of political or economic expediency. In Australia, the best way for a person or household to participate fully in our society is to be in work. This government has a proud record of proactive policies and responsible budgeting to support jobs. First and foremost, we have ensured that the ACT economy has grown strongly. Economic growth in the ACT has remained robust, despite the challenges posed by the commonwealth’s contraction.
The ACT government will facilitate employment, both as an employer and as a driver of economic growth. The ACT government is committed to supporting sustained growth and development of the ACT economy. We will work with the region, businesses, institutions and the wider community to increase economic opportunity and activity. Prudent financial management, a commitment to reform, as well as investment in our people and technology, will create the right conditions to support business and consumer confidence in the local economy and, therefore, create jobs.
The ACT government is facilitating jobs growth in the ACT by supporting a connected, technology-savvy city that takes advantage of strong ICT skills, strengthening links with the surrounding region to drive better services, economic growth and opportunity, building on the groundbreaking tax reforms and achieving a sustainable financial future for the ACT, and supporting the development of emerging enterprises, entrepreneurs and sectors.
We need to position Canberra to attract business, tourism and investment by fostering growth, economic diversification and job creation, attracting foreign investment and skilled and business migrants, building on the legacy of the Canberra centenary by investing in events that provide economic benefits to the city, promoting Canberra as a place to visit and to do business, and growing our export capabilities, including partnering with our universities.
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