It’s been another massive year in the capital and I know Canberrans are looking forward to a well-earned break this Christmas season.
While the impacts of natural disasters, economic shock from the war in Ukraine and the pandemic continue, 2022 has been a busy year of rebuilding and getting back on track.
The year in Australian politics has been no different – with the election campaign, a change of government, and the Albanese Labor Government’s determination to act swiftly in the interest of the nation and not waste a day in government.
In just seven months, Labor has already legislated territory rights, climate action, a National Anti-Corruption Commission, made childhood education and medicines cheaper, reformed aged care, extended paid parental leave, free TAFE, and introduced paid family and domestic violence leave.
We have been working hard to provide cost of living relief and some buffer from the international economic fallout from Russia’s war in Ukraine and domestic inflation pressures from the impact of flooding across the east coast.
For those Canberrans who are working over Christmas, I sincerely thank you and appreciate the sacrifice you and your family are making for our community.
If you’re in a spending mood, it’s also important to remember our small and local businesses – whether at home in the capital or travelling for a summer break. Small businesses are the engine room of our community, employing nearly half of Australians and contributing a third of the national GDP. These small businesses have had a horror run over recent years and it’s important that we support them by deciding to ‘Go Local First’ where possible this summer.
Many thought they had weathered the storm after bushfires, lockdowns and supply chain issues. But inflation, interest rate rises, and workforce shortages have continued to hit their bottom line. Shoppers going local will make all the difference to the health of small business this summer.
We’ve been lucky in the ACT and our local economy has bounced back strongly, but the recovery is not complete or a certainty.
It’s also important to be patient with staff during a hectic and, at times, stressful period. Businesses might be short-staffed and those working are doing their best under trying circumstances. Bad and abusive behaviour towards staff is unacceptable and should not be tolerated. Let’s all share some Christmas spirit!
Many Canberrans are doing it tough this Christmas, too. Organisations that provide food relief and emergency assistance report that the need for support is significantly higher this year, including from people who wouldn’t usually require assistance, such as those who are working but struggling to make ends meet. For example, demand for Christmas hampers from Community Services #1 in Narrabundah is double the usual number this year.
If you can, please support these great organisations to help fellow Canberrans with a donation of money, food or a gift for a giving tree – everyone deserves a special Christmas.
I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. May 2023 continue the recovery and be peaceful and prosperous.
Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Canberra Daily.
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