Page 2446 - Week 08 - Tuesday, 9 August 2016
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If we have strong economic growth, if we have businesses that are growing and are employing more people, that is good for Canberrans and it is good for this city. The best I think we can do is see more jobs growth in the private sector and the public sector. We will be hiring more nurses, police and other staff across the front line. But what I would say is that we also want to see private sector growth.
Look at the secret MOU signed off by the government and Unions ACT, which I note is now campaigning on this scare campaign on behalf of the Labor government: it is anti-business. Look at the EBA that has been signed with the CFMEU and the light rail consortium: it excludes many local businesses, which I think is very disappointing. It is very disappointing that the interests of the CFMEU have been put above local jobs and local businesses.
We will make it easier to do business in this town. We have released a number of policies already. Reducing rates will help with that, as will the change to the lease variation charge. But in many ways it is a cultural change, one that is forward looking, one that is about saying, “Let us support business,” rather than a policy that is all about protecting the interests of the CFMEU. Madam Deputy Speaker, you would be well aware of the issues with the CFMEU and your office’s closeness to that organisation.
There are many things that we will do that will change the nature of this city. We have announced many policies already. We have made it very clear that we will not continue with the very unfair tax changes that Mr Barr has been making with another $266 million of stamp duty that he is going to put on to our rates. He has made it very clear that that is happening. It is not a matter of if; it is simply a matter of when.
We have announced policies across all of the portfolio areas and we will continue to do so. As I said, I am very optimistic about our future. I think that we have great potential in this city. It is a wonderful city. But the decisions that this executive have been making have not been made in the best interests of Canberra, in the best interests of many Canberrans. It is quite clear that the decisions being made by this executive are being made in their own best interests and those of their fellow travellers, be it the CFMEU or others.
We are heading in the wrong direction. As I said, we will not be supporting the budget in its entirety. But we look forward to talking to each line item to critique where this government is going wrong but also to outline our alternative vision for this city that is focused on all Canberrans and not just the favoured few of the Labor Party.
MR BARR (Molonglo—Chief Minister, Treasurer, Minister for Economic Development, Minister for Tourism and Events and Minister for Urban Renewal) (11.27): The ACT executive has powers under the Australian Capital Territory (Self-Government) Act to govern the territory and execute and maintain enactments and laws. In this appropriation the ACT executive will be leading the government’s agenda in progressing key priorities across directorates for 2016-17. Three cabinet committees have been established to drive the government’s priorities in transport reform, social inclusion and equality, and economic growth and urban renewal.
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