Mr REED - 2002-08-20
Madam Speaker, on behalf of Territorians listening to this program, I hope the Treasurer will give them an honest answer. She has just admitted …
Ms MARTIN: A point of order, Madam Speaker!
Madam SPEAKER: I do not think you should reflect on the answer before you have even heard it.
Mr REED: Well, I just assume she will give an honest answer, Madam Speaker. Should we question otherwise?
The Chief Minister and Treasurer has just admitted to receiving an extra $130m this year from the Commonwealth. I would like her to explain to Territorians, given that circumstance, how can she justify to continue the increase of 7.5% in water charges to Territorians since she came to government, an extra $60 each year that Territorians have to pay in their water rates, while this Labor government receives an extra $131m by the Chief Minister’s own admission? That is not the way to make life easier and the cost of living less for Territorians. I would like the Chief Minister to explain that to those listening.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, it is interesting to hear the ‘hand on the heart’ approach we now have from the former government when it comes to increased charges. We heard last week how coming up to the election last year, when it came to MACA premiums, suddenly the cloth ears were on government. They could not hear. They made commitments about keeping premiums indexed each year, and when it came to MACA last year, because there was a run-up to an election, did nothing. They then turn around and criticise this government for making sure that premiums can actually meet the needs of the scheme – with a 1.6% increase over two years.
Do you know what, Madam Speaker? It has been the same with power and water - the exact same. July 2000, a 5% increase from the then government - 5%. What about last year? The cost of delivery of water and sewerage in the Territory, with pay rises in the public sector and other flow-on costs of supplies and things - yes, it becomes more expensive to deliver those services. But in the run-up to an election, what action did we have? Not a thing. No courage, no public policy responsibility, nothing. They then turn around with the greatest hypocrisy and blame us for good public policy, for making sure that services can be delivered across the Territory, and that we can make sure that water and sewerage services are being repaired; that repairs and maintenance are happening effectively, and that delivery can happen across the Territory.
We have this mob who simply, in the run-up to an election last year, refused to make the important decisions. To stand here now and ask questions with such hypocrisy - it is not worth answering.
Ms MARTIN: A point of order, Madam Speaker!
Madam SPEAKER: I do not think you should reflect on the answer before you have even heard it.
Mr REED: Well, I just assume she will give an honest answer, Madam Speaker. Should we question otherwise?
The Chief Minister and Treasurer has just admitted to receiving an extra $130m this year from the Commonwealth. I would like her to explain to Territorians, given that circumstance, how can she justify to continue the increase of 7.5% in water charges to Territorians since she came to government, an extra $60 each year that Territorians have to pay in their water rates, while this Labor government receives an extra $131m by the Chief Minister’s own admission? That is not the way to make life easier and the cost of living less for Territorians. I would like the Chief Minister to explain that to those listening.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, it is interesting to hear the ‘hand on the heart’ approach we now have from the former government when it comes to increased charges. We heard last week how coming up to the election last year, when it came to MACA premiums, suddenly the cloth ears were on government. They could not hear. They made commitments about keeping premiums indexed each year, and when it came to MACA last year, because there was a run-up to an election, did nothing. They then turn around and criticise this government for making sure that premiums can actually meet the needs of the scheme – with a 1.6% increase over two years.
Do you know what, Madam Speaker? It has been the same with power and water - the exact same. July 2000, a 5% increase from the then government - 5%. What about last year? The cost of delivery of water and sewerage in the Territory, with pay rises in the public sector and other flow-on costs of supplies and things - yes, it becomes more expensive to deliver those services. But in the run-up to an election, what action did we have? Not a thing. No courage, no public policy responsibility, nothing. They then turn around with the greatest hypocrisy and blame us for good public policy, for making sure that services can be delivered across the Territory, and that we can make sure that water and sewerage services are being repaired; that repairs and maintenance are happening effectively, and that delivery can happen across the Territory.
We have this mob who simply, in the run-up to an election last year, refused to make the important decisions. To stand here now and ask questions with such hypocrisy - it is not worth answering.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016