CHIEF Minister Katy Gallagher has requested an urgent meeting with the Prime Minister to discuss the impacts  of the Federal Budget on the Territory.

Ms Gallagher spoke at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Budget Breakfast this morning, where she outlined the action the Government would take to protect the ACT economy, including working with the private sector.

“We’ve taken a disproportionate hit in this budget,” the Chief Minister said.

“We’ve been asked to accept more than our share of the burden of returning the budget to surplus. Our community rightly expects the burden should have been more fairly distributed.

“I have sought an urgent meeting with the Prime Minister to discuss the implications of the budget.

“In addition and for the first time I will establish a sub-committee of Cabinet, which will draw in business and community leaders to shape our response to the outcomes and impacts of the budget.

“What’s needed today, tomorrow and in the months ahead is stability, cool heads and a determination to do what’s right by Canberrans.

“I have asked the Head of the ACT Public Service and the ACT Commissioner for Public Administration to confer with the Australian Public Service Commissioner about what opportunities there may be for the ACT Public Service to absorb workers affected by the Federal Government’s cuts.”

Ms Gallagher said there were positives in the budget including funding for significant Territory projects, such as the Majura Parkway, Constitution Avenue and Centenary initiatives.

She said the Commonwealth’s extra $11.9 million for the National Capital Authority was good news for the Territory.