welfare groups praise act budget commitment, say more could be done for homeless - solar street light cost
The bill's government's budget decision to further increase the debt of Community Services was commended by health and welfare groups, but some said they missed the opportunity to support the most vulnerable citizens.
The measures announced to promote tourism operators in the region and the public assets to be sold have been well received by the industry.
Compared with the federal government's funds and layoffs, the government sold the budget as "heart-to-heart ".
While welfare groups appreciated the commitment to community services, some said the focus was too narrow.
Darlene Cox, from the Health Care Consumers Association, said it was brave to accept cuts. "[It's]
It's a very difficult decision for them, and the deficit is increasing, but it means we can continue to serve the community . "
Spokesman for the social services committee (ACTCOSS)
Rebecca vasarotti agreed but expressed concern about homeless citizens.
"We believe that this may be further in terms of supporting the most vulnerable Canadians, where there are some missed opportunities," she said . ".
Christina Ryan, who advocates inclusion, said more time should be set aside for disabled people.
"The government has just begun to focus on NDIS (
National Disability Insurance program)
"It forgets all the other aspects of the life of the disabled," she said . ".
The hotel and tourism department of ACT said they would benefit from many of the measures announced in yesterday's budget.
The budget sets out funds to attract international flights, travel advertising, some big sporting events, and even some new "Welcome to Canberra" signs.
Brad Watt, a hotel association spokesman, said it all happened at the end of the industry's tough 12 months.
"It's great to see that we haven't taken a razor-blade approach to our industry and it's great to see that tourism funding is fully maintained and increased," he said . ".
The budget includes $1.
5 million continue the planning of a new conference center, which still requires a commitment of several hundred million dollars.
Chris Faulks of the Canberra Business Council said the money was well spent.
"People attending the meeting spend about $600 a day at hotels, restaurants and retail," she said . ".
When the budget was submitted yesterday, the ACT government announced plans to sell some public assets to take advantage of the Commonwealth's asset recovery plan.
Chang 'an drew Bal, the finance ministry, said they included betting firm ACTAB, some old public housing, office buildings and a network of street lights with 73,000 lights in Canberra.
The government may have signed a buyer of the street light network with ActewAGL, a power supplier in Canberra, to welcome the deal.
The company offers the possibility to upgrade the lights to LED and solar technology;
Some can also have motion detectors.
Theme: budget, industry, tourism, government-and-