It’s a relief that, finally, I can talk publicly about the 2008–2009 budget. As a new MLA, the development of this budget has been an interesting and thought-provoking experience but, unfortunately, not one I wish to repeat if the process and the outcomes are the same.
Last December this Assembly agreed on goals and priorities and sent Cabinet away to produce a budget for us based on those goals. I had high — some would say naïvely high — hopes that I could have some influence on the development of this budget, that my input would be sought and respected. I’m sad to say that I don’t feel that has happened.
In the last five months, more than once I've been made to feel that the government was doing as they please with little concern for me and my colleagues. Perhaps that was not the intention, but that was the perception of Members on this side of the House. And if we feel that we were not respected, then for sure the public feels the same way.
Some examples.... The government has presented us with figures that show revenues increasing at 3 per cent per year and expenditures increasing at 6 per cent per year. I agree that such a situation is untenable and can’t continue, but, to quote a constituent, “the government has not advised its constituents why the territory is suddenly faced with a huge deficit.”
In department briefings few reductions were presented with adequate rationale to justify them, but there was an expectation we would accept them.
There’s been a noticeable lack of opportunity for input into the development of the budget from Regular MLAs, despite repeated requests. I feel as though I’ve had no hand in this budget.
On several occasions the government released information to the public or communicated with constituents before the same information was provided to Regular MLAs. I can only interpret that as a lack of respect for me as a Regular Member.
There’s been little consideration of the suggestions for changes to the budget from Regular MLAs. The mind of the government has seemingly been closed to budget possibilities other than those that have come from Cabinet.
I’ve struggled with the content of this budget. I believe in our priorities, and this Assembly should focus efforts and money on them, but this budget doesn’t seem to do that. Where’s the analysis of the programs and services that would provide justification? The reductions seem random, not reasoned; neither well thought out nor well researched.
The Premier has said several times publicly that job cuts would be a last resort in achieving the necessary budget reductions; 135 affected positions is not a last resort, in my estimation.
Mr.
Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to
conclude my statement.
Unanimous consent granted.