“The 2022-23 ACT Budget demonstrates the impact of having Greens in government and how a collaborative approach to politics can result in good outcomes for the community,” said ACT Greens Leader Shane Rattenbury in welcoming the ACT Budget, released today.
“The ACT Greens are consistently campaigning for bold, progressive, evidence-based, long-term policies. In the last election we took a platform for strong action on climate change and support for the most vulnerable in our community.
“I am pleased to see this budget we once again have record investment into housing and homelessness, greater investment in community legal services and a focus to reduce over representation of First Nations people in ACT justice system.
“The ACT is leading the nation on climate action and, with Greens in government, we again see significant investment into our zero emissions future. With investment towards our pathway to zero emissions vehicles, increased funding for the sustainable household scheme, and the establishment of a new, dedicated Office for Water to support better water management in the ACT.
“The ACT Greens are proud to be pushing our Government partners to be leaders on these significant issues.
“Having said that, this is not the exact Budget that the Greens would deliver if we were in a Greens‑led government. We work in a power-sharing, collaborative government that involves debate and compromise.
“There are some elements of this budget that we do not support, such as the $41 million subsidy from rate payers to the horse racing industry.
“The Budget is supposed reflect what we value as a community, and the future we want to build together. I am confident the community would prefer this $41 million to go to public housing and homelessness, or mental health support, or climate change adaptation, or public transport, or any measure of other things.
“As such, for the first time the ACT Greens will move to amend the Budget on the floor of the Assembly to vote against this item.
“We must consistently strive to move and improve government policies and to reflect these in the ACT Budget and we simply cannot support this allocation of much needed funds.
“The ACT Greens will continue to champion issues with people and the planet at the forefront of our platform,” said Mr Rattenbury.
