Page 1920 - Week 06 - Tuesday, 6 June 2017
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MS LAWDER: Chief Minister, what would be the basis of the claims of the former Chief Minister, Mr Stanhope, that the electoral success of numerous MLAs is attributed to the CFMEU rather than to your leadership?
MR BARR: Again, an interesting but obvious line of questioning from those opposite. I think the clear indication in the election results last time was that the labour movement, both its political and its industrial wings, was united behind an agenda for this city that saw further investment in health, in education, in public transportation, in community and in local government services. There was the most extensive campaign in the history of self-government behind that policy agenda. It delivered an outstanding result for all of us who believe in the role of government to invest in a better community and to invest in a growing city.
There was a very clear policy contrast between our party and the Liberal Party at the last election, and the people of Canberra voted for our party. They also voted for the Greens. The Greens were able to elect two members to this place; the Labor Party, 12. Between the Greens and the Labor Party, through a parliamentary agreement, we have formed government to represent the people of Canberra, but particularly those who voted for our policy agenda, who want to see it delivered—and that is exactly what today is all about.
MR COE: My question is to the Chief Minister. Why has Labor’s most successful Chief Minister and Treasurer stated that Wayne Berry’s judgement on gaming in the casino is better than yours?
MR BARR: There are a variety of opinions on the question of where the balance of poker machine licences should be over the longer term. The government’s view is that the number of poker machines in the city should be reduced, and we are implementing a policy agenda that will see the number of poker machines in the city significantly reduced. I do find it ironic, given that, that the only party that is arguing for more gambling is the Liberal Party. These people opposite think that chocolate addiction is more significant than gambling addiction. In that statement you see exactly where the true values of those opposite line up.
Women—health services
MS CODY: My question is to the Minister for Health. Minister, how is the government delivering on women’s health?
MS FITZHARRIS: I thank Ms Cody very much for the question. As we know, the population of our city and our surrounding region is growing, and there has been a significant increase in the number of births in the ACT. As a result, Health is experiencing a higher demand for birthing services and, correspondingly, hospital and community-based services for women, babies and children.
Through this budget, the ACT government will expand the Centenary hospital for Women and Children, both physically and in terms of the services it delivers. Women
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