Released 25/07/2017
Today’s COAG meeting made it clear that the ACT is leading the nation with an agenda of genuine reform.
We’re getting on with the job of abolishing inefficient taxes. Insurance tax is completely abolished, saving Canberrans hundreds of dollars a year and making life easier for businesses. The payroll tax threshold has gone up to help more small businesses and we’re well on the way phasing out stamp duty, saving home buyers thousands ($7040 on a $500,000 home) and removing barriers for downsizers.
Despite Commonwealth cuts, our economy is growing at 6.4%, gross state product is up by 3.4% and we have the lowest unemployment in the nation. Service exports are driving our growth. We’ve experienced the fastest growth in the nation five years in a row. Higher education and research contributes to $2.7 billion a year, while our record breaking performance in tourism contributes a further $2 billion.
The ACT has signed the intergovernmental agreement on competition and productivity enhancing reforms. We have already delivered reforms to the taxi and ride sharing industry- in fact we’re at the forefront of innovation and disruptive technologies as the first jurisdiction in the nation to legislate for the safe operation of ride sharing. Uber is now a genuine part of our integrated public transport network, with Canberrans starting their ride home from Christmas and New Year celebrations on a night bus and finishing it with a discounted Uber trip.
We are currently working on liquor and gambling regulatory reforms and will also consider planning and zoning reforms to attract new private sector investment.
As the first in the nation to get on board with the National Disability Insurance Scheme, we’re getting on with the job of full implementation with more than 5000 Canberrans entering the program according to the latest NDIA quarterly report.
We’re getting on with the job of shifting to 100 per cent renewable energy and we’ve already contracted all the energy we need to reach our target by 2020.
This is just like we got on with the job to enact marriage equality, to protect the safe schools program, to introduce nurse-led walk-in centres.
We’re delivering improved health services and nation-leading education, with a comprehensive 10 year plan for health and properly funded schools. The ACT Government has a clear agenda and the energy and unity to deliver it.
- Statement ends -
Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases