"Generous" budget, but…
-------------------------- ACT Greens MLA Deb Foskey said that the ACT majority Government is not using its generous budget, handed down today, to provide the leadership needed to address the challenges of climate change and growing inequity in the ACT.
“Of course the Greens are pleased to see a few of our climate change and environment ideas picked up in this budget, but we still lag behind other cities of our size and income across the western world” Dr Foskey said today.
“The challenge of climate change should see this government commit to a sustainable rapid transit scheme that will allow people across Canberra to enjoy life without a car, and energy efficient buildings – whether they are old or new – which will be good for our planet and cheaper to run.”
“This is an infrastructure-rich budget that will provide a boon to the development industry for years to come. Given the expected drop in Federal Government activity in the ACT, that might be a deliberate strategy. It looks like there are going to be new buildings and refurbishments and roads all over the town. With the exception of Woden and Weston Creek.”
“However, poor people are going to continue to be left behind by our otherwise wealthy community. The generous budget provides little for homelessness or public housing. While the Housing Affordability strategy is looking after middle income earners, those on low incomes are left to struggle in an unaffordable rental market.”
“There are numerous concessions on stamp duty, bus travel and water charges but they are not applied comprehensively or fairly. The concession on stamp duty for older people downsizing will benefit those on government pensions, but not low income superannuants. More people will get concessions on their water bills, but not their power bills or seweage rates.”
“In an election year the Greens can see that the ACT Government is more likely to listen to people across the community. In too many areas however their response, while energetic, lacks a sense that they have a long term plan to tackle the twin challenges of climate change and growing social inequity” said Deb Foskey.
