The ACT Government is under pressure regarding its budget management, with Opposition Leader Mark Parton asserting that the government is “living beyond its means.” Parton highlighted concerns across nearly all sectors of government spending, emphasizing that fiscal responsibility is crucial as the region approaches its next election.
In a recent statement, Parton criticized the government’s handling of public finances. “The government has been living beyond its means in just about every portfolio space,” he remarked, adding that the situation is particularly dire in the health sector. He warned that if current spending habits continue, the ACT could face severe financial repercussions. “We’re just going to end up further and further down the rabbit hole,” he said.
Despite these criticisms, Parton has refrained from specifying potential areas for budget cuts, suggesting instead that the focus should be on finding efficiencies that do not result in job losses within the public sector. “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,” he stated.
The ACT’s budget is projected to return to balance before the upcoming election, according to a government spokeswoman. This positive outlook comes after the Legislative Assembly approved a second appropriation bill last year to provide emergency funding for the ACT’s health system amid rising demand. The government is expected to issue a mid-year budget update without requiring parliamentary approval.
Parton has been critical of Rachel Stephen-Smith, the ACT Health Minister, particularly regarding the use of additional federal health funding. The ACT is set to receive an extra $557 million in funding as part of a five-year deal agreed upon at the National Cabinet. Parton described this financial support as a “budget bailout,” arguing that it merely offsets existing expenditures rather than enhancing the health system. “This is not a health injection,” he asserted.
In response, Stephen-Smith acknowledged the ongoing pressures on the health budget, indicating that the government would continue to seek efficiencies and cost-effective responses. “We know that within our own health system we do need to continue to become more efficient,” she stated.
As discussions continue regarding fiscal management, Parton also mentioned ongoing talks with the ACT Greens aimed at forming a collaborative approach in the Legislative Assembly. While he noted that these discussions have been positive, he declined to specify which policy areas the two parties might work on together. “I’m not imagining that that unlikely outcome is going to raise its head,” he remarked concerning potential coalition talks.
The political landscape is further complicated by proposed new gun laws, which Parton indicated the Liberals would evaluate closely. He expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of proposed legislation aimed at curbing illegal firearm use. “You do have to question whether that’s going to have any impact at all on illegal firearms that are on the street,” he stated.
Additionally, the Legislative Assembly is scheduled to convene on Tuesday for its first sitting since the Bondi terrorist attack, during which a condolence motion will be debated. Chief Minister Andrew Barr described this motion as an opportunity to honor the lives lost and acknowledge the impact of the tragedy on the community, particularly the Jewish community.
The developments in ACT politics reflect broader concerns regarding budget management, public safety, and collaborative governance, underscoring the challenges faced by both the government and opposition parties as they navigate these critical issues.
