Page 457 - Week 02 - Wednesday, 17 February 2016
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Wednesday, 17 February 2016
MADAM SPEAKER (Mrs Dunne) took the chair at 10 am and asked members to stand in silence and pray or reflect on their responsibilities to the people of the Australian Capital Territory.
Government priorities
MR HANSON (Molonglo—Leader of the Opposition) (10.00): I move:
That this Assembly:
(1) notes that:
(a) after nearly 15 years, the ACT Labor government has lost touch with the priorities of Canberrans who are facing increased cost of living pressures and declining services; and
(b) the Canberra Liberals are focused on delivering better outcomes for all Canberrans, including:
(i) fixing our health system;
(ii) investing in education;
(iii) building our city;
(iv) growing our economy; and
(v) leaving no one behind; and
(2) calls on the Barr Labor government to focus on delivering better outcomes for the people of Canberra instead of pursuing light rail.
In October this year the people of Canberra have a decision to make about the future of our city, and it is important that the priorities of both parties are on the table early. It is quite clear that there are differing priorities and, as a result, some quite different policy approaches.
In October people will have a genuine choice about the direction of the ACT, and I think that is a good thing. Personally, I am very positive and optimistic about Canberra’s long-term future. But the reality is that Canberrans are currently facing increasing cost of living pressures, record deficit and debt, a failing health system, overcrowded schools, cuts to police, inadequate public transport and declining local services across the ACT. Andrew Barr now wants to spend billions of dollars on a tram network that we do not need and cannot afford, and he wants to continue his massive rate increases which are hurting thousands of Canberra families.
After 15 years in power, Barr Labor has become so focused on itself that Jon Stanhope recently complained that the unions and the factions have “corrupted the
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