ANDREW Barr says the Canberra community is invited to have their say on the 2016-17 ACT Budget, with the annual Budget consultation process starting today.

“Since becoming Chief Minister, I have been out in the community talking to Canberrans about the services they need and what they want the government to deliver,” Andrew said.

“This feedback was an important part of the 2015-16 Budget, and I now invite the community to share their views on how government services can be improved as part of next year’s Budget.

“The 2016-17 ACT Budget will be developed in a challenging economic period for the Territory. Our economy has been resilient in responding to the Commonwealth Government’s significant cuts to spending and jobs, and the recently released June quarter economic data indicates that the ACT economy has now turned the corner. However, we continue to face uncertainty from previous Commonwealth Government job cuts, reductions in our GST funding, and cuts to grants for education and health.

“That’s why, through the 2016-17 Budget, we will continue to use the ACT’s strong budget position to keep our economy moving by safeguarding jobs for Canberra and supporting our local businesses. We will also continue to ensure we have the right services, facilities, and infrastructure that our residents and businesses deserve and expect.

“As part of the Budget consultation, the community is able to provide feedback through an online submission form, or by providing a written submission through the Budget consultation website or the ACT Government’s Time to Talk web site. An information paper, providing details on the ACT budget position, some of the challenges facing our economy, and the major revenue and expenditure items is also available on the web site.

The 2016?17 Budget consultation is taking place over the next month and will close on 14 October 2015.

For more information, visit the Budget consultation website at budgetconsultation.act.gov.au or Time to Talk at timetotalk.act.gov.au.