ACT Labor: “Better services in every suburb”
ACT Labor has announced it would invest more than $120 million in new and renewed infrastructure across Canberra.
Labor would construct the West Belconnen Bikeway, connecting suburbs with the Belconnen Town Centre and the city. Other cycling and walking projects include the Garden City Cycleway linking Watson to the City, a new path from Hall Village to Gungahlin, improving the Lake Tuggeranong path, and widening the path around Lake Ginninderra
Labor would build 12 playgrounds and five public toilets; upgrade seven local shops; spend more than $24 million on new and improved footpaths; improve libraries; maintain and resurface roads; and improve street lights.
Labor would offer larger green bins for household waste; expand the Container Deposit Scheme to include more eligible items; and grow the city services workforce by hiring more trainees and apprentices.
“Labor will always invest in the services and infrastructure our city needs,” a spokesperson said.
Canberra Liberals: Mental health services
The Canberra Liberals have promised to reform the mental health system.
“After years of scandals and crises, confidence in Canberra’s mental health system is at an all-time low and only the Canberra Liberals can restore confidence in the mental health system,” shadow mental health minister Ed Cocks said.
The Liberals’ $40 million-plus investment includes a $10 million boost to frontline mental health services; up to 7,000 additional psychology, counselling and behavioural services for schoolchildren; a $10 million fund to attract, train and retain mental health professionals; and $20 million in community housing for people with mental health issues.
Mr Cocks said too many people who needed help were falling through cracks and gaps in the system, while many with mental health issues could not access stable accommodation.
“The Canberra Liberals will establish a fund to build and manage fit for purpose housing for those with complex mental health issues and psychosocial disabilities, including those being discharged from, or at risk of admission to mental health units,” Mr Cocks said.
“We will also support the front-line workers and services who most frequently encounter and engage with people with mental health issues so they can support Canberrans when they need it.
“For children, school psychologists are stretched too far, and many children face long waits or insufficient supports which is why the Canberra Liberals will deliver up to 7000 additional psychology, counselling and behavioural services for ACT school children.”
The Liberals would embed a no-wrong door approach to mental health and suicide prevention; better connect mental health services and providers; design supports for health and emergency services workers; trial psychiatric support in the ACT watch house; offer a GP advice line; and introduce suicide prevention legislation.
“The Canberra Liberals will ensure that Canberrans have access to the mental health services and supports they need, when they need them,” opposition leader Elizabeth Lee said. “The demand for mental health services has never been higher in the ACT, but, for too long, the Labor-Greens government have failed to deliver the high-quality mental health system and services Canberrans deserve.”
