CENTENARY LACKS CENTS

With the Centenary of Canberra celebrations due to start in less than a year, vital funding must be restored to the National Capital Authority if the Centenary’s goals are to be achieved.

 The “lasting legacies” of the Centenary – known as Canberra 100 – include:

§  Increase the pride and ownership of Australians in their capital
§  Establish enduring international recognition of Canberra, and its role as the capital
§  Create impetus for future development of the National Capital

All these goals overlap with the mission of the NCA, but the Gillard Government’s recently announced increased efficiency dividend will see the NCA shed even more funding, despite having already been stripped of nearly half its funding since 2007.

“The more money this government takes from Canberra, the bleaker the celebrations look”, Senator Humphries said today.

“It’s hard to see how greater recognition for Canberra and more impetus for future development of the national capital can be achieved if the federal agency responsible for the ongoing delivery of these things doesn’t have the resources to carry them out.

“The NCA is already on its knees, and if this government thinks this crippled organisation can continue to provide vital services to the ACT as well as prepare for this once in a lifetime event, they are living in a dream world. 

“The Government continues to rob Peter to pay Paul by shaking every cent they can from the NCA while making out that the centenary of Canberra is something they actually have an interest in.

“When I look at the goals for Canberra 100, I really have my doubts that the Federal Labor Government actually wants to increase pride and ownership of Canberra.

“I’m very proud of this city, and I’m offended that the celebrations for the centenary of our national capital is being compromised by this government constantly dipping into the NCA’s pocket”, Senator Humphries concluded.

23 January 2012