Page 2091 - Week 07 - Thursday, 4 June 2015
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Obviously some initiatives and items in the ALP-Greens parliamentary agreement are still to be fully delivered. I am often asked about this at this time of year by journalists. They ask, “Well, what about the things that aren’t there yet?” What I can say is that there are things such as continued investment in walking and cycling infrastructure and the creation of an urban tree trust. Given the progress we have made this year and the fact that it is a four-year agreement, I am confident we can continue to make good progress on these issues.
Overall, the Greens support this budget as a responsible one that is clear in its priorities. We have been in a difficult period federally and face significant local challenges as well. This is a modest budget that seeks to carefully navigate the need for financial responsibility with compassion and to balance limited resources with the need for service provision.
By this time next year, I am confident we will be in a better place as result of the decisions taken in this budget and that every Canberran will see something tangible as a result. I hope by this time in two years we will have a federal government that has a coherent, responsible and sustainable plan, perhaps more like the one that this ACT government has. I live in hope that that might be the case.
MR BARR (Molonglo—Chief Minister, Treasurer, Minister for Economic Development, Minister for Urban Renewal and Minister for Tourism and Events) (3.49), in reply: I thank Mr Hanson and Mr Rattenbury for their contributions to the in-principle stage. I look forward to the detail debate during estimates and, of course, when we come back after the winter recess in August.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
Bill agreed to in principle.
Reference to Select Committee on Estimates 2015-2016
MR BARR (Molonglo—Chief Minister, Treasurer, Minister for Economic Development, Minister for Urban Renewal and Minister for Tourism and Events) (3.50): Pursuant to standing order 174, I move:
That the Appropriation Bill 2015-2016 and the Appropriation (Office of the Legislative Assembly) Bill 2015-2016 be referred to the Select Committee on Estimates 2015-2016.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
Papers
Mr Barr presented the following papers:
Live community events, pursuant to the resolution of the Assembly of 12 February 2015.
Budget 2015-2016—Financial Management Act, pursuant to sections 20AA and 20AC—Statement of Reasons—Appropriation (Office of the Legislative Assembly) Bill 2015-2016—Departure from Recommended Appropriations.
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