Another contribution from Zed Seselja on the budget.
Apparently in his budget reply speech (which has not been published online, but will eventually turn up in hansard) he “released” a “Cost of Living Study” which has also not been published online.
Anyhoo, here’s what he had to say about it:
“The ACT Labor government talks about cost of living, but little in this budget helps alleviate that pressure. Today in my budget reply I provided a comprehensive analysis on the rise of the cost of living pressures on Canberra families under the ACT Labor government.
“It shows that since Labor has come to power taxation per capita has risen 94 percent. From $1,809 when Labor came to office to an expected $3,505 per person in 2010-11.
Since Labor came to power in 2001;
— property rates and charges grew by over 75 percent;
— rents have grown approximately 68 percent;
— water prices have more than doubled (163 percent);
— electricity has increase by 75 percent; and
— The parking fees for all day places in Civic have increased by 57 percent since July 2001
And the alternative:
We would do things differently. Instead of grand designs, we would focus on basic services, delivered better, at a lower cost. Sounds simple. But after ten years, this government has not delivered on any of it – and quite frankly, it never will,” Zed concluded.
No word on specifically which grand designs will go and what will be done with those already completed or part built.