Page 1681 - Week 06 - Tuesday, 3 June 2014
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It provides $75.5 million to progress a range of digital initiatives that will make it easier and cheaper to do business with the ACT Government.
Local businesses are the lifeblood of our economy. We will assist them to grow and create jobs through a range of new and continuing programs.
Former government employees will be assisted to make the transition to the private sector, to start their own businesses; young entrepreneurs will receive expert support; and there will be a helping hand for smaller businesses who need that assistance to transition in this changing economy.
Invest Canberra—our dedicated investment promotion body—will receive extra funding to bring more business and investment to the Territory, and there are a range of new initiatives to boost our tourism and events sector.
The Budget also continues the broad-ranging regulatory reforms the Government has been introducing in recent times to improve efficiency, to cut red tape and to make it easier to do business with government.
Of course, health and education remain the Government’s top priorities.
Although the Commonwealth Government is withdrawing funding from these areas, the ACT Government is stepping in to fill the gap, and we will continue to improve the health and education outcomes of all Canberrans.
As the Chief Minister has said, health services cannot be turned off like a tap—and we will not stand by and let Canberrans suffer from these cruel Commonwealth Government cuts.
This Budget reinforces our very strong commitment to provide the best health care, no matter what people earn and no matter where they live.
This Budget provides $1.4 billion for health in 2014-15. This includes the $40 million coverage of the shortfall that has been left by the Commonwealth Government.
It includes over $164 million over four years for growth and new initiatives in our health system.
There will be more services and more staff at our local health centres, more outpatient services and more beds in our hospitals.
Services for those who need critical care will be expanded, and there will be new bariatric services.
The Budget delivers $122 million over four years in capital funding for the Health Infrastructure Program, and includes provision for the construction of the University of Canberra Public Hospital.
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