Page 480 - Week 02 - Wednesday, 19 March 2014
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MS PORTER (Ginninderra) (10.46): I welcome the opportunity to speak on this very important topic and thank my colleague Dr Chris Bourke for raising it. As I have stated in this Assembly on several occasions, it is the duty of every elected member in this place, I should think, to protect jobs and to maintain confidence in the ACT economy. This should be at the forefront of every representative’s mind, and not only those who are in government. As you will recall, not too long ago the ACT was exposed to the global financial crisis closely followed by instability in the euro zone. In spite of these most challenging times, coupled with meaningless opposition for opposition’s sake, this Labor government has developed and continues to develop policies that have and will continue to protect Canberra’s economy. The ACT Labor government chooses to support local jobs in comparison to the job threatening behaviour of the Canberra Liberals and their federal colleagues.
This government’s vision for Canberra is that of a vibrant, liveable city, as Dr Bourke has said, that continues to grow and change to meet the challenges and opportunities for the future and continues to live up to its reputation as Australia’s most liveable city. We particularly saw this in the 2013-14 budget, which delivered on important transformational infrastructure projects and laid the foundations that are helping the private sector to diversify, grow and create jobs.
Notwithstanding the issues that Mr Rattenbury has raised in relation to the private sector development of the shopping precinct adjacent to the airport, the private sector has invested in the Canberra Airport to develop a world-class facility. As you know, the benefits of the new airport will be spread across the region not just for travellers but also through economic development opportunities such as the curfew-free freight hub.
As the Treasurer stated yesterday—I am sure he will do so again today—the government in conjunction with Canberra Airport is pushing hard for international flights to cater for those who desire to avoid Sydney Airport with all the issues we have there and transfer to New Zealand or Asia from the ACT. As you can imagine, this will foster business links to important outside markets as well as significantly boost regional tourism.
It is this sort of forward thinking that the territory needs more of, particularly now when the ACT economy is faced with a contraction in spending and the needless attack on the public service by this current federal coalition government. As the Treasurer stated in the last sitting during question time, this government will do everything in its power not only to actively seek and facilitate private sector investment as a driver of economic growth but to protect jobs in the ACT as an employer.
Notable infrastructure projects that are playing a major role in the ACT’s growth, some of which have already been mentioned, include the Majura parkway upgrade, the enlarged Cotter Dam, Constitution Avenue upgrade, Gungahlin leisure centre, and the community health facilities in Tuggeranong, Gungahlin and Belconnen.
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