ACT Opposition Leader Criticises Government Spending While Remaining Vague on Cuts
Opposition Leader Mark Parton has launched a strong critique of the ACT government's financial management, accusing it of living beyond its means in nearly every area of budget expenditure. However, he has notably declined to specify where cuts might be made, emphasising instead that finding efficiencies should not lead to a reduction in public-sector jobs.
Broad Critique Without Specifics
"The government has been living beyond its means in just about every portfolio space," Mr Parton stated. He acknowledged that the situation is particularly acute in health but insisted it is a recurring issue across all departments. "And it can't continue. Well, if it does continue, we're just going to end up further and further down the rabbit hole."
Mr Parton revealed that the Liberals have been examining numerous areas to identify savings since he assumed the leadership. This period has also involved discussions with the ACT Greens about the possibility of forming an alternative government to oust Labor.
"Given the fiscal situation that we find ourselves in, either the current government or the would-be government would be crazy if they weren't looking at every area of spending and trying to figure out, dare I use it in this town, efficiencies so that we can actually get closer to black numbers," he remarked.
Government Response and Health Funding Debate
A government spokeswoman recently stated that the ACT's budget remains on track to return to balance before the next election, following the mid-year budget update. While the Legislative Assembly approved emergency top-up funding for the health system last year due to escalating demand, no parliamentary approval is required for this year's mid-year update.
Mr Parton specifically criticised Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith for indicating that additional Commonwealth health funding—agreed at National Cabinet last week—would be directed towards budget repair. The ACT is set to receive an extra $557 million over five years under this deal.
"This half a billion dollars that's gifted to us from the Commonwealth is basically going to things that we've already purchased. And if anything tells you that this government is living beyond its means, this is it. This is not a health injection," Mr Parton argued. "This is actually a budget bailout. That's what it is."
In response, Ms Stephen-Smith acknowledged last week that the health budget would continue to face pressure despite the increased funding. "We know we're going to have to continue to look for efficiencies and cost-effective responses, and we know that within our own health system we do need to continue to become more efficient," she said.
Greens Collaboration and Legislative Focus
Mr Parton described the talks with the Greens as positive, suggesting they would lead to greater collaboration between the two parties in the Legislative Assembly. However, he did not disclose which policy areas might be the focus of this cooperation.
He indicated that the Liberals have moved past discussions about forming a government with the Greens and are now concentrating on the first Legislative Assembly sitting week, which commences on Tuesday. "I'm not imagining that that unlikely outcome is going to raise its head," he added.
Greens leader Shane Rattenbury met with Chief Minister Andrew Barr on Monday for their first conversation since the extent of the Liberal-Greens talks was revealed.
Gun Laws and Cultural Comparisons
Mr Parton also addressed the government's proposed new gun laws, stating that the Liberals would scrutinise them closely but remaining non-committal about plans to further restrict gun ownership and ban blueprints for 3D-printed firearms.
"At the end of the day, I'm not sure that even the national agreements that have been made, and legislation that was brought forward in NSW - you do have to question whether that's going to have any impact at all on illegal firearms that are on the street, or the illegal use of the firearms that are there now," he commented.
He further argued that the disparity in crime levels between Australia and the United States stems from cultural differences rather than legislative changes. "Often people compare gun crime levels in Australia to that of the United States, and they suggest that somehow because of the changes that John Howard made, that that's why we've got less gun crime here. Now, that's not the case," Mr Parton said.
"It gets down to the difference in culture, and, you know, 99.5 per cent of firearm owners in Australia are, to the letter of the law, law-abiding citizens, and, you know, we'll be communicating and collaborating with the government and the crossbench to arrive at a sensible conclusion. But I do fear that some people are going to be penalised for things that they have not done and would never dreamt of doing."
Condolence Motion for Bondi Attack Victims
The Legislative Assembly will debate a condolence motion for the victims of the Bondi terrorist attack on Tuesday, marking its first sitting since the shooting. Chief Minister Andrew Barr stated, "This condolence motion gives us the chance to honour the lives lost and to acknowledge the deep impact this tragedy has had on individuals and communities. As a community, we extend our sincere sympathy and stand in solidarity with the Jewish community."
