Page 3811 - Week 12 - Wednesday, 29 October 2014
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us talk up the economy in what are clearly trying times. Let us talk to the positives of studying, working and living in a uniquely nature-bound city with all the benefits that that brings. Let us talk to our strong and growing education sector that brings both economic and social benefits. And let us all find ways to increase what is a major business in an environment that will be undergoing big changes in the next few years.
We all know, and it is quite clear, that the education sector is a very important driver in the ACT, yet the horizon in the education sector is full of unknowns. I think it presents some real challenges for our education sector if it is to continue making the significant economic contribution it makes to the territory.
Let us do what we can to support our workforce to buck the national trend of unemployment and underemployment rates through further education, skills transfer and basic job creation and through building transformational infrastructure like light rail. I noted Mr Smyth’s comments, and it is a trend we are going to see for at least the next two years—every single project that somebody wants to talk about they can go, “Oh, well, if you didn’t do light rail, you could do this.” They are ignoring the basic economic reality that we are not spending $600 million or so in 2016. I note Mr Wall’s recent letter to the residents of Conder in which he suggests exactly that. He says: “There’s going to be $800 million spent on light rail. Perhaps we could do something else instead. What would you like to spend it on?” The Liberal Party are out there actively propagating the misunderstanding that $600 million to $800 million has got to be chipped up in 2016 or 2017 when in fact that is clearly not the case. The first payments will not be made until something like 2020.
But I am sure the Liberal Party are going to spend that $600 million to $800 million figure about four times over in the coming years. To every single person they meet they will say, “I’d love to spend the money on that. And if we weren’t doing light rail, we could do it.” Whether it is more lawn mowing, the Belconnen Arts Centre or you name it, they are going to spend that money at least four times over. I am quite sure of it.
Let us be realistic about that, but also acknowledge that, despite the fact the government is investing in light rail, the government is also continuing to do a range of other projects across the city and continuing to invest massively in health and education, in other capital works that will continue, and in the basic urban services that keep this community ticking over. There is still investment going into those things, despite what the Liberal Party say and Mr Smyth seeking to once again propagate that in today’s discussion.
Let us work to encourage and attract more people to visit Canberra, not just for the summer blockbusters but all year round. With a vibrant city and a wealth of natural attractions in and around the capital region, we have certainly got plenty to talk about and plenty to sell when it comes to this city. Let us support increased funding and investment towards new technologies, and let us continue to support a green and more sustainable economy, such as the Royalla solar farm and innovative building structures and designs as proposed in new development areas.
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