Page 2199 - Week 07 - Wednesday, 3 August 2016

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(3) further notes the actions of Liberal State Governments around Australia in cutting public service jobs, particularly:

(a) in Queensland, where the Liberals cut 12 800 jobs;

(b) in New South Wales, where the Liberals cut 10 000 jobs;

(d) in Western Australia, where the Liberals cut 1000 jobs; and

(4) calls on the ACT Government to maintain:

(a) its commitments, including not tearing up legal contracts;

(b) high quality public services;

(d) a responsible path to return the budget to surplus without massive job cuts.

I move this motion and call on this Assembly and its members to show bipartisan support for maintaining a strong ACT economy, honouring the light rail contract and returning the budget to surplus. The government is performing well by all key economic indicators and regardless of the outcome of the October ACT election it falls on all parties in this place to continue the work that this government has done in tax reform, red tape reduction and infrastructure investment, particularly the light rail contract. A strong ACT economy is important for all Canberrans. It means a more prosperous society for everybody in our city but, most importantly, when economic growth is inclusive, it raises the standard of living for thousands of people living pay cheque to pay cheque in our community.

A strong economy means strong job creation. Indeed 3,100 new jobs were created over the past year in the ACT and our unemployment rate is the lowest in the country, at 3.6 per cent. It is a testament to the work of the Treasurer that despite federal Liberal cuts Canberra continues to grow. As a small businessman and employer for many years I know that being able to find a job is the cornerstone of wellbeing for individuals and for their families.

A strong economy means rising government revenues to support the services we need and deserve, including schools, medical facilities, critical infrastructure, roads and additional transport options such as light rail. A strong economy makes it easier to pay down debt, return to surplus and maintain our critical AAA credit rating thereby securing our economic future through better loan deals. This means that Canberrans can have the infrastructure, jobs and services they need now rather than having to wait 20 years when under the alternative government the city might be in gridlock and services may be nonexistent.

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