“WHILE Canberrans are being squeezed to pay their tripling rates bills, increasing car rego and rising parking fees, Andrew Barr is happy to spend their money on a light rail project that will service only a small fraction of the ACT population,” said Opposition Leader Jeremy Hanson.

“Today’s ACT Budget shows the ACT Labor government is going in the wrong direction, focusing on light rail. Andrew Barr’s government is far removed from the priorities of Canberrans as rates, charges and funding for light rail all increase,” said Mr Hanson.

“Canberrans are forced to pay more as ACT Labor neglects them.

“Almost every fee and charge is increasing in this Budget: General rates up 11%; Vehicle registration up 6%; Utilities tax up 5%; Drivers’ licences up 5%; Parking fees up 11%; Traffic infringement fines up 16%; Parking fines up 29%.

“As the Budget is handed down today, Andrew Barr can find money for light rail, but he’s cut 60 hospital beds at the new University of Canberra Hospital.

“Critical police funding has been cut by millions of dollars and a deal cannot be finalised with teachers in our schools. ACT Labor cannot get its priorities in order.

“The ACT’s debt and deficit are at huge levels. The ACT’s expensive debt is peaking at close to $6 billion in the forward estimates and interest repayments will rise as high as $233 million in one year, all while the deficit is over $400 million.

“The ACT Labor government and Andrew Barr are not acting in the interests of Canberrans. They are completely out of step with their needs and wants, all while hitting them harder at the hip pocket. This is a one-track Budget all about light rail.”