Page 4819 - Week 13 - Thursday, 28 November 2019
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1 of light rail, development of a long-term infrastructure plan, and the release of a climate change strategy and the capital of equality strategy. We have got very close to achieving, and we will achieve, 100 per cent renewable electricity.
This year we have passed major reforms to our motor accident injury scheme. We have made the system fairer and easier for people injured in motor vehicle accidents. On this I would particularly like to acknowledge the work of the former budget and policy director, Dr Jennifer Rayner, who made a very significant contribution to this project and indeed a lot of work across the ACT government.
We have seen the most successful events on record for the territory. Both Enlighten and Floriade achieved all-time record attendance levels. We have seen all-time record levels in tourism numbers and tourism’s economic contribution, creating new jobs and opportunities for Canberrans.
On the sporting field the Raiders, the Giants and the Brumbies all made it to the finals. We hosted our first international test cricket match, and the UC Capitals won the grand final in a great year for women’s sport.
Our screen industry has achieved wonderful recognition. I can advise the Assembly there are 14 nominations for Canberra productions at the national awards, and I wish them all the best at next week’s ceremony.
In economic terms our economy has gone from strength to strength. Our economy is now worth $41 billion. It is larger than that of the state of Tasmania and the smaller territory, the NT. It is growing faster than the national average. I am particularly proud that we have the lowest unemployment rate in Australia. Employment has increased, and 7,600 additional Canberrans are in work through this year. Most pleasing is that we now have more job vacancies in the ACT than we have unemployed people. We are the only part of Australia that has achieved that record in terms of employment growth and having more vacancies than unemployed people.
I want to thank my colleagues across the chamber, particularly on the government benches, for all of their hard work that has contributed to those really positive outcomes. We have had some changes in our team. I was pleased to welcome Ms Orr into the cabinet and Mr Gupta to the Assembly. Of course, we wish Ms Fitzharris, our former colleague, all the best in her new career.
I thank the Greens party: Minister Rattenbury, Ms Le Couteur and all of their staff. I say to the Canberra Liberals that I do not wish you too much luck in 2020, but I acknowledge the work that you as MLAs, and indeed all of your staff, contribute on behalf of constituents in the ACT.
I thank all of the ACT public service across all of our directorates, an incredibly hardworking group of passionate Canberrans who work every day to support Canberrans and to ensure that their lives are easier. I especially acknowledge those who are working over the Christmas period.
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