Page 1152 - Week 04 - Wednesday, 7 May 2014
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We have significantly diversified this economy, and the economy has grown significantly in the last decade. In spite of that, the commonwealth is and will always be a major player in the economy. That is the reason this city exists. The question is how the policies of the federal government will impact upon Canberra. This is where it comes down to a fundamental point: Canberra does better under Labor governments. Full stop. Everyone knows it.
The Liberal Party are about to wreak havoc upon this economy. We know it; they know it; the people of Canberra know it. The question is: do this mob opposite have the courage to stand up for this city and to stand up for economic development opportunities? Every indication from what we have heard this morning and what we have heard in the past few weeks is that, no, their preference is to sit on the sidelines, poke sticks at people, but make no meaningful contribution to the economic development prospects of this city.
This government will continue our focus on attracting new investment into the economy. It is more important now than it has been at any point in the last decade because the commonwealth will not be driving growth in this economy. (Time expired.)
MR DOSZPOT (Molonglo) (10.51): It is with pleasure that I rise to support the motion brought on for debate by Mr Hanson—namely, that the Assembly notes the opposition’s ongoing engagement with Canberrans, community groups and businesses, and which then raises issues as priorities.
The motion lists a number of examples which we know are important: the state of disrepair of basic urban amenities—and this is one I get calls on every day, as do all of my colleagues; dysfunctional planning that is stifling city centres and doing little to protect our suburbs; housing availability and affordability; lack of support for business; the failures in our justice system; the slow access to health care, especially in emergency and surgery; and poor management of the economy. We know these issues are important because we are out every day talking to our constituents, talking to families, listening to their concerns and understanding their worries.
Of particular interest to me is that aspect of the motion that highlights education choice and standards, especially culture and behaviour. One could be excused for thinking this government’s sole focus is only on those issues that are critical to ensuring the support of their Greens colleague. We debate at length the merits of solar and light rail. We want everyone else to pay for and accept the impact of wind farms so that Canberrans can tick a renewable energy target that some Canberrans have decided is important to them. We have legislation to ban piggeries, even though we do not have any. We only allow barn eggs to be laid in the territory. And it would come as no surprise to me to see a motion banning whaling on Lake Burley Griffin if that became a focus of interest to the Greens in this community.
We know this government will do anything to stay in power, and the Green will do and agree to anything to stay in the ministry.
Mr Wall: What about yesterday?
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