Community-endorsed ACT Independent Senate candidate, David Pocock, has called for tomorrow’s federal budget to prioritise community need over political expediency.
“I have spoken to hundreds and hundreds of Canberrans over the past few months about what matters most to them,” David said.
“What stands out is that we have so much more in common than politicians would have us believe.
“Canberrans want a fair deal for our city that sets us up for a better future.
“We deserve more than last minute breadcrumbs from the budget or a government trying to buy votes.
“While today’s announcement of further investment in roads is welcome, it’s not enough. The infrastructure our community needs goes beyond bitumen.
“The Coalition congratulating itself on investing $1.3billion in the ACT since 2013 - a tiny fraction out of what is now a ten-year $120 billion infrastructure pipeline - suggests they really are taking us for granted.
“There are huge pressures being applied to households that need long-term investment and reform, not a quick political fix.
“Canberra has the highest childcare costs in the country. We are the most expensive city in which to rent. Property prices went up more than 28 per cent in the past 12 months.
“The average weekly price of petrol has jumped from 167.9 cents per litre in January to 208.6 cents per litre at the end of last week with the cost of essential groceries also going up, in some cases as much as 75%.
“Businesses are struggling with workforce shortages. We need longer-term investment in skills and training.
“We also need policies that maximise the economic opportunities for households and businesses from the energy transition while lowering emissions.
“Practical measures like introducing vehicle emissions standards will make electric vehicles more affordable and are simple cost-effective steps the government could take.
“We have the second oldest convention centre in the country and our most successful sporting team, the Canberra Capitals, don’t have a proper home so infrastructure investment is critical.
“As the bush capital we are also at the forefront of Australia’s fight to preserve our biodiversity.
“The Australian Government needs to do more to protect our threatened species. Reversing cuts to research and investing in capability building are key to our future prosperity.”
My priorities for this federal budget would include setting aside funding for:
- A federal independent anti-corruption commission
- Significantly increasing the supply of social and affordable housing
- Increasing productivity and promoting real wages growth
- Long-term support for apprenticeships, dedicated skills and training focused on opportunities arising from the smart energy transition
- Making childcare more affordable and enabling greater workforce participation by people with young children
- Lifting the quality of residential aged care, including increased transparency around how funding is spent and introducing appropriate registered nurse to patient ratios
- Sustaining the NDIS, ensuring Australians can access and afford the healthcare they need and funding for hospitals to improve acute care and reduce emergency department wait times
- More university research funding
- Support for households to lower energy and fuel bills by increasing the uptake of renewable energy and electric vehicles
- Local community sporting infrastructure based on need not electoral analysis
- Long-term nation-building infrastructure projects like a new National Convention Centre and stadium