Page 2104 - Week 06 - Wednesday, 5 June 2019

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(d) establishing a Future Skills for Future Jobs grants program to support industry projects that help increase Australian Apprenticeship commencements in the ACT;

(e) matching apprentices and trainees to the right job by establishing a new Workforce Skills and Development unit to help match training workers to suitable employment placements;

(f) investing in attraction and facilitation of major projects like the UNSW Canberra campus;

(g) supporting local business to become export market ready and further developing key local industries; and

(h) continuing to invest in Canberra’s knowledge ecosystem through the CBR Innovation Network; and

(5) calls on the ACT Government to prioritise the availability of secure employment with good conditions for the people of Canberra by:

(a) using public sector works and employment practices to set a high standard for employment in the ACT;

(b) ensuring our workers and trainees have the skills our city needs for the future; and

Yesterday we heard the Treasurer deliver his budget speech. Having listened to that speech and considered the papers, you will note I have revised my motion for today. Just as Mr Barr was about to make his speech yesterday, I heard the Reserve Bank had cut interest rates. Looking at the economic data and comparing the outlook of the various states and territories, it is clear that there are a range of challenges facing the Australian economy.

Locally, we have an additional challenge of a federal Liberal-National coalition government, a coalition of Liberals who like nothing more than trashing public services and the public service. The Nationals are very happy for taxpayer spending, but only if it is pork-barrelling for their electorates. Mr Barr’s management of the local economy has maintained growth and strong employment whilst the Nationals continue to try to nick off with all the jobs. This shows the success of his approach.

It is the resilience of not just Mr Barr that deserves praise but also of every worker and employer in the ACT. This morning I attended the ACT Business Chamber budget breakfast, where I had the opportunity to speak to many local business owners and CEOs, and one thing is clear: the ACT is continuing to grow. The economy is growing and jobs are growing. But it is not easy on our economy when one of the biggest employers in town is actively undermining the local economy. Our community’s success in delivering jobs should be celebrated.

From my perspective, it is a matter of choices and priorities. I had a look at some of the opposition’s comments, both in the paper and on social media. It is pretty clear

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