Released 29/03/2022
The Federal Liberals have ignored Canberra again, significantly shortchanging the Territory on major infrastructure investment.
Commonwealth infrastructure spending in the ACT is the lowest of any state or Territory, again, by some margin. Despite the ACT being home to 1.68% of Australia’s population, just 0.3% of the Commonwealth’s infrastructure spending will make its way into the ACT in this budget. This means the ACT Government will, once again, do the heavy lifting on job-creating infrastructure investments.
It is clear that we need a change in Federal Government for the ACT to get a fair deal on national infrastructure spending.
The Commonwealth have failed to invest in the AIS precinct, especially the reopening of the AIS Arena, and the precinct continues to face an uncertain future. This is an urgent priority for the ACT in the Federal election, and we will continue to advocate for a renewal partnership with the Commonwealth after the election.
Despite all the television advertisements and rhetoric of their credentials on climate action, the conservative Liberal Government have once again failed to take real action to support the move to net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The heavy lifting on support the nation in the transition to a lower emissions future will continue to fall to state and territory governments of all political persuasions. This Budget was the latest in a long line of missed opportunities for the Commonwealth to partner with the States and Territories on this urgent priority for the majority of Australians.
The ACT welcomes additional investment from the Commonwealth into efforts to reduce domestic and family violence. It’s a critical issue for all Governments and we look forward to seeing details on the Commonwealth’s national plan to end violence against Women and Children. We also welcome additional funding for services to support Australians suffering from mental illness.
The expansion of national security agencies may result in an increase in the Australian Public Service (APS). However, the continued push towards decentralisation of the Service through the creation of ‘regional hubs’ could have ramifications for the ACT’s economy in the medium term. The ACT Government is urging the Commonwealth to focus any “decentralisation” from the congested capital cities rather than Canberra.
- Statement ends -
Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases