A petition to secure Canberra’s future as the national capital and home to over 300,000 people was launched in the Senate last night by Labor’s ACT Senator, Kate Lundy.
The petition (attached) is another attempt to pressure the Howard Government to remedy the damage their policies are having on the ACT.
“It is clearly evident that the election of the Howard Government was a devastating blow for the future of Canberra. It didn’t have to be that way. But the Liberals seem to have a total disregard for Canberra as the capital and Canberra as a home to over 300,000 people”, Senator Lundy said.
“The Prime Minister refuses to move to his official residence. He is only a part-time Prime Minister in Canberra. Our local economy has been savaged by the attacks on Canberra’s largest employment sector, the Public Service. People aren’t spending, businesses are closing down, families are moving on and the Prime Minister is responsible.
“One can see Canberra quickly becoming a ghost town – a mickey mouse national capital – starved of funds and innovative policies.
“I have spoken to Government Ministers, written letters and lobbied through the media, but as yet John Howard has given no indication that he has listened. Our next step as a community must be to show John Howard the depth of feeling in Canberra about his policies.
“We are proud to live in the Australian capital but this is also our home. Canberra needs a future both as a capital city and as a community. The Liberals have to recognise this and take action through stating their commitment to the capital and backing initiatives that will assist Canberra through this difficult period.
“If the only way we can achieve this is by getting thousands of signatures on a petition, then let’s get going. We can show John Howard the depth of our social and financial pain.
“I will distribute the petition to shopping centres, businesses and community groups. I encourage people to call me for a copy. We have to get this petition to every Canberran. Take it into your workplaces and into your neighbourhoods. Completed petitions can then be returned to me and I will present them to the Senate”, Senator Lundy said. Petition to Secure Canberra’s Future
