Page 2200 - Week 07 - Wednesday, 3 August 2016
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This motion goes to the heart of the Barr government’s strong fiscal strategy and responsible management of the territory’s public finances, balancing sustainable rates and charges—revenues—with a high standard of service delivery. It is this strong fiscal strategy that has given Canberra the flexibility required to deal with the challenges that inevitably fall upon us when a federal Liberal government shows its true colours and cuts Canberra’s jobs and services.
Those opposite lecture about a return to surplus but choose to ignore the impact of Mr Fluffy on the territory’s finances. The Mr Fluffy debacle started well before self-government but when federal Liberal governments abandoned victims the Barr Labor government did not pass the buck. We acted and stepped up to support those affected. Only the sound financial management of the Barr government has allowed us to weather the over $400 million hit to our budget as a result of the federal Liberals abandoning Mr Fluffy victims.
The government has been able to support the ACT economy in the face of commonwealth Liberal cuts over recent years, and we have been able to deliver a coordinated and compassionate response to the complex issue that is asbestos removal. While absorbing this massive impact, we continue to have a very credible path to surplus. The government must remain committed to its fiscal strategy and remain on a consistent path to surplus. Other parties in this chamber must do the same and commit to supporting the government’s tax reform and economic development program.
Returning the budget to surplus is a clear signal that the ACT government is not living beyond its means. A strong fiscal position will enable the government to respond to future economic and fiscal shocks, should they arise. This commitment has meant that the territory has retained its AAA credit rating, as assessed by Standard & Poor’s, and we are one of only three jurisdictions in the country to hold this highest possible rating. Net debt remains at prudent levels as a share of gross state product and is broadly in line with other AAA-rated states.
But there is always more to be done, and this government is getting on with the job of investing in Canberra’s future. In the 2016-17 budget the Barr Labor government is supporting the economy in the short term, while continuing to deliver high quality services to the community and building a strong operating balance over the medium term.
Our government understands that investment in local infrastructure is critical for continued economic prosperity and has continued its significant investment in transport, schools and the health sector. I am particularly pleased that we have allocated over $100 million in upgrading and maintaining facilities at the Calvary hospital, in my electorate, as well as the Canberra Hospital and other health buildings, all of this while we await the additional capacity and capability the new teaching hospital at UC will deliver when it comes online at the end of 2018.
I also welcome the Chief Minister’s recent commitment that a re-elected Barr Labor government will deliver a new nurse-led walk-in centre for Gungahlin. This follows on from the success of the walk-in centre in Belconnen, which I constantly hear positive community feedback on.
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