Page 3228 - Week 09 - Wednesday, 21 August 2019
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Or Jenna:
The rates are insane, especially for us hardworking single parents trying to pay off a mortgage and raise kids in Canberra.
Or Debi:
We work hard to make sure we are not a burden on the welfare system. This does not support the effort we make. Why are we continually punished for having a go?
Or James:
We are PENSIONERS struggling to stay in our own home and have been hit by a whopping $1,025 increase in our Rates—an increase of 67% on last year. This follows a 30% the previous year. How can this be allowed to happen through a supposedly ‘caring for the ageing’ government.
And John:
A grave injustice has been perpetrated by the ACT government.
Or Janet:
Another burden for oldies to carry!! My husband and I are at the stage of saying ‘What next?’
Madam Speaker, that is just a snapshot of the thousands of Canberra households that are struggling as a result of this government’s decision. To have the Greens again come into this place and run interference for the Labor Party demonstrates just how tight that coalition is. Despite the fact that one of the Greens is not contesting the next election and would surely have a bit more freedom to say what they really think, they come in here and toe the Labor Party line.
That begs the question of whether perhaps it is what they really think. In that case, why not be a member of the Labor Party? Why not run on the same ticket next year? Why not have a combined Greens-Labor ticket? That is what it has come to. When every single vote in this place is a red-green coalition, why not run on the same ticket? Why not formalise it? Why not be honest with the people of Canberra?
The Chief Minister spoke about the next generation. He is spot on that many people in Canberra fear that their best days are behind us. Many people in Canberra feel as though the future is not getting any better. When you do not have optimism and you do not have hope, things can deteriorate pretty quickly.
The Chief Minister seems absolutely determined to make sure that surrounding New South Wales councils thrive. The mayors of the adjacent councils must really love this government. Mayor Tim Overall must really love the Chief Minister. Nothing has done more for growth in Queanbeyan than the actions of Mr Barr. He has been a
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