Page 1988 - Week 06 - Wednesday, 7 June 2017
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Weston Creek and the inner north; the new SPIRE centre in Woden at the Canberra Hospital; the expansion of the Centenary women’s and children’s hospital and more bulk billing services in Canberra’s south as part of the government’s 10-year health plan that was so strongly endorsed by Canberrans just seven or eight months ago.
We are overhauling the city’s transportation system and bringing light rail to Canberra, something that was bitterly opposed by those opposite but strongly endorsed by the people of Canberra. We are delighted to be able to bring—
Mr Hanson: I wouldn’t say “strongly”.
MR BARR: We will keep on saying that. We are delighted to bring this important project for the people of Canberra to invest in a viable public transport system for Canberrans. We are investing more in our roads and public transportation.
MADAM SPEAKER: Before we go to the supplementary questions, I remind members of the opposition of not only my thoughts on interjections but also the standing orders. Can we please have the questions and answers in some level of silence.
MS CHEYNE: What does the 2017 budget show about the state of the territory’s finances and the government’s planned return to budget balance?
MR BARR: It shows very strong progress on the government’s fiscal plan. We continue to improve the territory’s bottom line and we will be back in a balanced budget and in surplus years ahead of the commonwealth. I am pleased to be able to report to the public gallery over here—
Ms Cheyne: On a point of order, Madam Speaker.
MADAM SPEAKER: Stop the clock.
Ms Cheyne: Madam Speaker, could I please hear the Chief Minister’s answer? I am really interested in it.
MADAM SPEAKER: I think you have the right to hear the Chief Minister in silence. There is a point of order in that the opposition continue to interject. The Chief Minister is less than 30 seconds or thereabouts into his answer and there has been a point of order. I think all but a couple were interjecting. Can we please have regard to visitors in the gallery? I do not think you are putting your best performance on show here. Chief Minister.
MR BARR: Thank you Madam Speaker. Yes, the budget position has improved in every year—in the current year, next year and across the three forward estimate years—and this demonstrates the government’s commitment to not only invest in the future of this city to meet the needs of a growing population and to deliver our election commitments but also, at the same time, to continue on the path of budget repair. That task continues.
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