Last week, the Albanese Labor Government handed down our first Budget.
We have inherited a decade of neglect and a trillion dollars of debt from the previous Government.
This Budget begins our task of building a better future for Australians.
We cannot address all the problems immediately, but we have delivered a Budget that includes cost of living relief that is designed not to add to inflation, invests in the capabilities of Australians and the capacity of our economy, and begins the hard task of long-term Budget repair.
I’m proud that there is a lot in the Budget for our Nation’s Capital – investing in its people, our environment, infrastructure, and the public service which serves all Australians.
The Budget invests heavily in renewable energy, beginning the climate action that Canberrans are desperate to see.
Locally this includes three community batteries – located in Casey, Dickson and Fadden – helping Canberrans maximise the benefits of rooftop solar which will lower power bills and reduce emissions.
Our Budget invests in public and active transport, providing a $85.9 million commitment to light rail, which will help get cars off the road, ease congestion and emissions, and prepare Canberra for the future.
We will also invest $5 million to work with the ACT Government to deliver the Garden City Cycle route, making it easier for more Canberrans to cycle to work.
We will invest in restoring the health of our urban waterways, working in partnership with local Landcare groups on revegetation, weed control and water flow management efforts to help clean up our lakes and rivers.
Other important local investments include upgrading and re-opening AIS Arena, Gorman House Arts Centre upgrades, University of Canberra’s sports hub precinct, and important maintenance work on the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge and Scrivener Dam.
Education has also received a boost, with $6.3 million to fund 345 news places at the Australian National University and University of Canberra to plug critical skills shortages in areas such as nursing, midwifery, teaching and allied health.
Along with our plan to deliver fee-free TAFE, Labor is investing in Australians accessing the education they need to do the jobs of the future.
Canberra has some of the lowest bulk billing rates in the country; the Budget delivers an urgent Medicare care clinic for the ACT which will give more people access to cheaper healthcare and take the pressure off our hospitals.
Canberrans can also expect to see cheaper medicines – with savings of up to $450 per year helping with cost of living.
Our Budget is great for families, delivering cheaper childcare to 23,200 ACT families and extending paid parental leave to six months.
After a decade of neglect and contempt from the Coalition, the budget has allocated $72.9 million to re-build the public service.
This is not just an issue for Canberra, but an investment in good governance and service delivery for our whole nation.
I’m proud to be part of a Labor Government that is delivering on our promises and beginning the long process of getting our nation back on track.
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