I welcome the call from Senator Humphries to a debate on Which party will be better for Canberra?
In our democracy it’s terrific to have the opportunity to debate our policies before the public. This gives the chance for voters to hear our parties’ policies and make up their minds on who to support with a full understanding of their options.
That’s why Labor believes that John Howard should have real debates with Mark Latham, not just one stage-managed joint press conference a month out from the polls.
But if Mr Howard isn’t willing to put his case and defend his policies, I’m glad to see that Senator Humphries has more courage. I’m delighted to have the opportunity to tell Canberra voters how the Australian Labor Party will strengthen Canberra’s essential social infrastructure, restore balance to our industrial relations system and foster strong communities.
Over the last 8 years, Senator Humphries’ Liberal Party and the Howard Government have overseen;
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the rapid decline of bulk-billing in the Territory, making it harder for Canberrans to access quality and affordable health care; |
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the Federal funding shifts away from public schools to elite private schools; |
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the increased cost of and decreased access to tertiary education at the University of Canberra, making it harder for students and their families to access quality, accessible and affordable higher education; and |
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a failure to provide adequate telecommunications services to Canberrans and continued attempts to sell off valuable telecommunications infrastructure in Telstra. |
A Federal Labor Government will make sure that all in our community can participate in our community life. We will destroy the barriers to participation erected by the Howard Government’s policies, as Federal and Territory Government can work in partnership to ensure the re-establishment of essential social infrastructure and a reassertion of the importance of cohesive and inclusive community.
It is only under a Federal Labor Government that Canberrans can be assured of a genuine commitment to ensuring equality of opportunity and access to social services and welfare for all.
If Senator Humphries wishes to debate the issue, I am ready when he is.
Contact: Adina Cirson – 0418 488 295 or 02 6277 3334
