Minister Barr: Budget delivering an even better CBR
- Written by ACT Government
Released 12/08/2016
The ACT community will benefit from more nurses, more teachers and more support for vulnerable Canberrans with the successful passage of the 2016-17 ACT Budget this evening.
The 2016–17 ACT Budget is a budget for an even better Canberra, and this approved funding will build on our plan to secure a better future for Canberra by delivering more services today and in coming years.
By passing the funding for the services and infrastructure Canberrans deserve and expect, we continue to lay the foundations for the long-term growth of our economy and ensure we have a happy, healthy and vibrant community.
Strong budget management and economic growth for Canberra
The ACT Government has invested significantly in recent years to ensure Canberra weathered the storm of the Commonwealth’s cuts.
This strategy has worked. Our unemployment rate is now the lowest in the country, economic activity is growing at the fastest rate of any state or territory, our retail trade figures are the strongest in Australia and service exports are booming, with strong growth in education.
The strong economy means our budget position is improving, with the territory budget to return to balance in 2017–18 and budget surpluses in 2018–19 and 2019–20 as previously outlined in past budgets.
We are returning the budget to balance by investing in our community and diversifying our economy.
This Budget, which has now successfully passed in the Assembly, will deliver a four-year infrastructure program worth $2.9 billion—which provides the services and facilities Canberrans need now and into the future while creating jobs and economic activity.
The 2016–17 ACT Budget will fund $8.8 million to support our tourism sector in anticipation of direct international flights to Singapore and Wellington that take off in September 2016. The Government is also continuing with our tax reform agenda, with another increase to the payroll tax threshold to $2 million, which lowers the tax burden for Canberra businesses to support local jobs.
More nurses and teachers for Canberra
Health and education will always be the top priority for the ACT Government and this Budget delivers more nurses and more teachers for our hospitals and schools. This Budget will invest $1.6 billion into our local health system, with $139 million for more nurses and doctors as part of $237 million in new funding for better health services. This is on top of the $212 million investment for Canberra’s newest public hospital at the University of Canberra.
The Government is also investing $1.16 billion into our schools, including $55 million in new initiatives, to ensure Canberra’s schools remain the best in the country. Our public school system is growing, and this year’s Budget creates more students places for Canberra families and employs more teachers.
Increased support for Canberra’s most vulnerable
Increased support for our community’s most vulnerable is the centrepiece of the 2016–17 Budget.
The Government has dedicated $27 million in new funding to building a safer community and helping Canberrans in need. This is on top of the $510 million the Government will invest in supporting Canberrans who need a helping hand.
This includes the landmark $21.4 million Safer Families Package—the single largest new funding initiative in the ACT’s history to tackle family violence.
The ACT Government is also investing an extra $35 million over four years into the concessions program to support those Canberrans who need it most. This reflects the Government’s commitment to a fairer, more sustainable, more accessible and better targeted concessions program.
Better roads and transport for Canberra
The Government is continuing to build an integrated, city-wide transport network – with this Budget funding better roads and new buses on more routes.
The Government is investing more to improve roads right across Canberra, including the duplication of Horse Park Drive in Gungahlin, the duplication of Aikman Drive in Belconnen, the duplication of the Cotter Road to link Weston Creek and Woden, and the duplication of Ashley Drive in Tuggeranong.
The Budget invests $10 million for 20 new buses, including for the already successful ‘City Loop’ service and new bus services in Weston Creek and Molonglo. Work has also already commenced on the first stage of the city wide light rail project—which will form part of Canberra’s integrated public transport network and reduce congestion on Canberra roads.
Investing in municipal services for Canberra
Suburbs across Canberra will see the benefits of even more mowing, weeding and local shop upgrades in this year’s Budget, with a new investment of $14.2 million to ensure Canberra remains the most liveable city in the world.
The Budget also funds a pilot program for the Canberra-wide rollout of green bins for garden waste. The pilot program will be available to residents in Weston Creek and Kambah from 2017. This Budget also spends more on better facilities for Canberrans—including significant investments in sporting facilities, playground upgrades and the new pool at Stromlo Forest Park.
- Statement ends -
Section: Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases
