Page 417 - Week 02 - Tuesday, 16 February 2016
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Another recent sign of confidence in our economy was last week’s sale of the former Currong and Allawah housing sites for $47 million. The strong competition amongst bidders for this block is a sign that investors continue to see great opportunities in the territory. All signs are pointing to things improving further through 2015-16, with gross state product expected to grow by 1.75 per cent this year, and increasing to two per cent in 2016-17. This is supported by external factors such as low interest rates and the lower Australian dollar.
Growth will also be supported by the territory government, as we continue our focus on creating the right conditions for local businesses to grow and create jobs but, most importantly, on encouraging new investment from national and international sources into our economy.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Ms Porter.
MS PORTER: Treasurer, how has the territory government’s support for jobs contributed to the growth of the territory economy?
MR BARR: There is no doubt that the territory has endured a very tough economic period in recent times, particularly as a result of the impact of the Abbott Liberal government on this city. We have prospered through this period due in no small part to the support and economic policies of the territory government. We have put growth and job creation at the heart of our government’s agenda. Amongst other things, the outcomes of our business development strategies have included the creation of the CBR Innovation Network to nurture new and innovative firms, establishing Invest Canberra to promote trade and investment, and creating Access Canberra to make it simpler for businesses to work with government.
Mr Hanson interjecting—
MADAM SPEAKER: Order, Mr Hanson!
MR BARR: I should not respond to interjections from the Leader of the Opposition, but I will say this much: it is very clear that, yes, I prefer Malcolm Turnbull more than you do. You are a man who is solely in the mould of Tony Abbott. No-one was more disappointed than the Canberra Liberal Party—
Mr Hanson interjecting—
MADAM SPEAKER: Mr Hanson, you brought this on yourself.
MR BARR: No-one was more disappointed, Madam Speaker, than Jeremy Hanson when Tony Abbott, his role model, got the axe. When Tony Abbott got the axe, tears came across from that side of the chamber. The Abbott lovers over there, the most conservative branch of the Liberal Party in this country, the ones who were most closely aligned with Tony Abbott, they are the ones who are still—(Time expired.)
Members interjecting—
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