Page 482 - Week 02 - Wednesday, 19 March 2014
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
We all know that Canberra forms a small part of the overall Australian economy. As a result, we must be outwardly focused. This government is focusing on regional issues as well as we recognise the importance of working together with our regional councils and the potential this has in positioning the ACT as a hub for service provision. That is why it was disappointing to see the deliberate dismissal by those opposite to the recent contribution of many council representatives to the select committee.
This government has learnt from the Howard government’s experience and has decided to act now to protect and stimulate the ACT economy. This Assembly should give its unequivocal support to the motion before us today.
MR BARR (Molonglo—Deputy Chief Minister, Treasurer, Minister for Economic Development, Minister for Sport and Recreation, Minister for Tourism and Events and Minister for Community Services) (10.54): I thank Dr Bourke for the motion today and for his ongoing interest in jobs and economic growth in Canberra. The government is acutely aware of the importance of infrastructure delivery and the importance this has to economic development and job security in Canberra. As I and other members of the government have mentioned before in this place, we are firmly committed to supporting jobs in our economy. This is the Labor way.
Whilst conservative state governments around the country have sought to slash their workforces putting many thousands of public servants out of work across this nation, this ACT Labor government is getting on with the job of supporting our public service and supporting our private sector to create jobs. It is certainly one of the key priorities in the government’s business development strategy that I issued in 2012. The strategy, with its numerous programs and policies, is assisting the private sector to grow and create jobs in this territory. This is going to become even more important for us in the coming years.
Whilst our economy is presently one of the strongest in Australia with the lowest jobless rate in the country, we are certainly very aware of the challenges presented by the Liberal Party, particularly their trumpeted reduction in commonwealth spending and employment in our city. The government believes the long-term prospects for our city are bright, but we need to do all we can now to support our economy and support jobs during this difficult period.
Firstly, the government will continue to fund and progress productive infrastructure to help mitigate against the commonwealth’s slowdown. Not only will this ensure that the community receives the facilities and services that it needs, but the economic activity created by these infrastructure projects will help contribute to our city’s growth.
Secondly, the Chief Minister has recently announced a package of initiatives to support the local building and construction industry. This sector is a major driver of economic growth in Canberra employing more than 13,000 people, hence the government’s efforts to support this particular sector. I would particularly like to outline this morning the importance of the acceleration of works in the new suburb of Moncrieff that were announced as part of the package.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video