Page 1035 - Week 04 - Tuesday, 24 March 2015
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MS BERRY: Sorry, Madam Speaker, why—
Mr Wall: Why that is the case.
MS BERRY: The case for the last question?
Mr Wall: An explanation, yes.
MS BERRY: I will take that on notice.
Budget—concessions
MR SMYTH: My question is to the Treasurer. Treasurer, on 17 March you announced a review of the ACT’s concession programs for transport and basic services. Is it true that the review is designed to reduce or remove concessions for these basic services?
MR BARR: The review is looking into the long-term sustainability of the ACT concessions program. The government have significantly increased concessions in a number of areas but we are looking to ensure that concessions continue to be targeted at those most in need. We will be paying particular attention to those areas of concessions that are not means tested, and that is appropriate. We do not want to be giving concessions to millionaires, and we will look closely to ensure that our concessions are appropriately targeted because it is the government’s desire to provide increased assistance to those most in need. If the Liberal Party are in the business, which we know they are, of wanting to support concessions to those who earn very high incomes—as is their wont; that is what they are in politics to deliver, to shovel money to rich people—we are focused on ensuring that our concessions program provides increased support to those who need it most.
Mr Hanson interjecting—
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Smyth—and I would like to hear it, Mr Hanson.
MR SMYTH: Treasurer, is the government targeting particular groups in the community as far as removing concessions for transport and basic services is concerned?
MR BARR: No. What we are seeking to do is provide concessions to those who need them. That is what good government is about. Good government is about ensuring that those who need assistance receive it, and that is what we are seeking to do with this concessions review.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Doszpot.
MR DOSZPOT: Minister, will you publicly release the concessions review?
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