Page 937 - Week 03 - Thursday, 19 March 2015
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adding to the economic diversity of this city, making it an easier place to get around. Reducing our reliance on cars, reducing congestion, is a priority for this government. Better transport for Canberra is a priority for this government, and light rail is an important part of a better transport system for Canberra—one that supports economic growth, supports urban renewal and is more socially inclusive.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Ms Porter.
MS PORTER: Chief Minister, what are the views of investors about the project? Are there any risks to investment in Canberra’s economy?
MR BARR: The government’s infrastructure program is attracting national and international attention. We are becoming a real magnet for some of the largest infrastructure players in Australia and in the world to come and invest in our city. There is a major threat to investment, a major threat to confidence, and that is the amateurish and reckless behaviour of those opposite. Not only are they intent on destroying this city’s reputation as an investment destination but they will damage our country’s reputation as an investment destination. By threatening to tear up the capital metro contract—
Opposition members interjecting—
MADAM SPEAKER: Order, members!
MR BARR: a long-term contract, they are putting at risk our city’s reputation as a place to do business. The global infrastructure community has told us that if this happens, if the Liberals are reckless enough to trash our reputation, there will not be investment of this kind in this city again. When I meet with business leaders across Australia and around the world, they are stunned at the recklessness of those opposite.
Brendan Lyon, the CEO of Infrastructure Partnerships Australia, a body that represents this nation’s investment community, said today in the Canberra Times:
… it is very important that politicians don’t debase the infrastructure program with discussions around sovereign risk.
Madam Speaker, just think for a moment. How do you think we will go as a jurisdiction trying to attract private sector investment and partners for a new convention centre if the market in which we—
Opposition members interjecting—
MADAM SPEAKER: Order, members!
MR BARR: would be conducting such a transaction has just witnessed the tearing up of a contract? How would we ever seriously procure a new major project? (Time expired.)
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Ms Fitzharris.
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