2015-06-10
Shane Rattenbury (ACT MP)
Last week, the Greens-Labor Government in the ACT announced its 2015-2016 budget. It was not the budget of a Greens Government, but it was one that was influenced by having a Greens representative in government.
And I think that shows.
The work that has been done by Greens representatives, especially in the last two terms of the Assembly, is starting to really show in the budget priorities of the ACT Government — particularly in the areas of health, transport and housing.
We're seeing an increased focus on prevention — money well invested into trying to keep people out of the acute health care system, and a continued focus on funding for mental health initiatives.
For perhaps the first time in this city we are having a public conversation about the balance between funding for private transport versus public transport. What an exciting conversation to be having! While there are those who are vociferous in their opposition to the funding of public transport, we Greens know that any socially just and environmentally responsible society needs Governments to invest in public transport, and I am proud to be part of the Government that will build light rail and take the public transport in this city to a whole new level.
Canberra is built on public housing, and this budget supports the renewal and hopefully modest growth of the stock. I am pleased that this budget includes a strong commitment to public housing renewal of $133 million over 4 years.
These are all things that the ACT Greens can and should be proud of.
But it has not been an easy budgetary environment. We must face the challenges of the Abbott Government's cuts and the impact of Mr Fluffy asbestos. We have also seen some frankly ridiculous policies coming out from the federal government which has created an environment of fear and uncertainty for many community services. These cuts to the community and environment sectors impact on Housing and Homelessness policy and advocacy peak bodies, environment groups and peak bodies, as well as community legal centres.
Some of this year's Budget highlights are issues that the ACT Greens have championed. We've secured $23 million for some great active transport initiatives such as new cycling and walking infrastructure and bike racks on buses. The budget secures funding for essential domestic violence services and additional funding for legal aid. We have funded a new Justice Reform Strategy to progress justice reinvestment and the budget supports new initiatives to make our cities more accessible and liveable.
The Budget's shift towards sustainable transport reflects the work we Greens have done and will make Canberra a safer, healthier and more sustainable city to live in. Another important initiative is a whole-of-Government peak-oil strategy. This will ensure we are prepared and resilient for future challenges presented by our current reliance on a finite and fragile energy source. It's a smart and forward-thinking strategy that I strongly endorse and that we advocated for.
I think it's fair to say that the ACT Government Budget has a deeper shade of green that would not otherwise be present without the work of Greens members in this Assembly over many years.
And, I hope that by this time in two years, we will have a Federal Government that has a coherent, responsible and sustainable plan — perhaps more like ours — than we have now.