Minister Barr: Legislative agenda to make sure Canberra keeps getting better
- Written by ACT Government
Released 09/02/2016
The ACT Government will bring forward a strong and focused legislative program in 2016 to help deliver our plan for Canberra.
The legislation we will bring forward these sittings and throughout the year will put the needs of Canberrans first to make sure Canberra keeps getting better. We are getting on with the job. This government has a plan and delivers what it promises – and in the last few weeks we’ve delivered on our plans to build a new hospital, start a light rail network and bring international flights to Canberra.
Over this fortnight we will debate legislation already before the Assembly that will make our justice system fairer and more effective, strengthen our human rights protection framework, protect workers’ rights and make our public sector more efficient and responsive to the community.
This sitting period, Minister Fitzharris will deliver an election commitment to create more smoke-free public spaces and Minister Rattenbury will bring forward practical legislative amendments to make our roads safer.
In future sitting weeks, I will bring forward a comprehensive Red Tape Reduction package that will remove unnecessary costs and requirements on business and make government more efficient. The focus of this package is on practical measures to let businesses strengthen their operations, expand their services and employ more people.
Similarly, Minister Gentleman is developing a package of legislative amendments to the Territory Plan variation and development assessment processes, which will result in the reduction of red tape holding up worthy developments and stymieing construction jobs growth.
Minister Corbell and Minister Berry are continuing to lead work across government to reduce the scourge of domestic violence in our community. An upcoming Domestic and Family Violence Bill will strengthen support and protections for victims and give Police new tools to prevent and stop violence in the home.
Our response in this area is continuing on numerous fronts – from working nationally through Women’s Safety ministers, to helping service providers working on the ground, day-in and day-out.
Minister Berry is also leading the government’s social inclusion goals, particularly focussing on:
- refugee groups who have been so important to the city’s fabric and for whom we again recently expressed our support;
- those Canberrans in need of housing support or other services;
- the great diversity of people in our local LGBTIQ communities; and
- harnessing on the power of sport to cross boundaries, foster inclusion and build community.
Canberrans want to know that the Government and Assembly are working for them and discussing the issues that they want to know about.
I’m confident that the legislative program that we will bring forward this year will ensure Canberra keeps getting better.
- Statement ends -
Section: Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases
