Page 2842 - Week 08 - Tuesday, 14 August 2018
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Where we are at six months down the track from the minister’s media release is that there is no further development. Inmates are still waiting. Winnunga is still not embedded at the AMC. ACT Health is still not sharing information. These lost opportunities would not need to happen if only this government would start showing some political will and passion for the people stuck in our justice system.
The Canberra Liberals will keep up the pressure on corrections. Given that Canberra has the most expensive prison in Australia one would expect more bang for our buck for taxpayers and better health outcomes for our inmates.
Debate interrupted in accordance with standing order 74 and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for a later hour.
Sitting suspended from 12.31 to 2.30 pm.
Questions without notice
Budget—deficit
MR COE: I have a question for the Chief Minister and Treasurer. I refer to an article in the Canberra Times of 25 July written by former chief minister Jon Stanhope, Adrian Makeham-Kirchner and Khalid Ahmed. It states:
The surplus is, however, illusory. The underlying budget is in deep deficit, and its sustainability and, indeed, the sustainability of priority services is problematic.
Treasurer, why has funding for health care not taken into account growth in costs associated with health cost inflation, population increases, ageing and new technologies?
MR BARR: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question and, yes, confirmation that he is, indeed, at the driest of the dry end of Liberal Party politics. But let me be clear that we reject the analysis of the former chief minister in relation to—
Mr Parton: Was he on the dry end or not?
MR BARR: I do not think Jon was ever famous for his understanding or grasp of economics. He had many strengths, Madam Speaker—
Mr Coe: But he delivered surpluses, Andrew. You are yet to deliver one yourself.
MADAM SPEAKER: Chief Minister.
MR BARR: We might just wait until after question time, Madam Speaker. But there are, of course, many errors contained in that analysis that was published in the newspaper. Regardless, the government remains focused on investing in the services that our growing community needs. That has included record investments in areas like
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