ACT OPPOSITION has described the Federal Budget as “disastrous” and a “a betrayal to Canberrans” that “will push them to breaking point through huge job losses and even greater cost of living pressures”.

“Under this budget, Canberrans face job cuts in the thousands on top of massive tax hikes from both the ACT and Federal Labor Governments – it’s a double hit that residents simply can’t bear,” Opposition Leader Zed Seselja said.

“These massive cuts will disproportionately affect Canberra-based departments, such as the ATO and Defence, and there is more pain and uncertainty with many more thousands of jobs to go in the next few years.”

Canberra Business Council has also expressed disappointment; CEO Chris Faulks said early estimates has suggested that thousands of jobs will go.

“Combined with the huge jump in the efficiency dividend from 1.5 per cent to 4 per cent, this will severely impact on the local economy,” she said.

“Not only will we have an increase in unemployment but it will dampen retail spending, reduce procurement and mean less work and income for the private sector.

“The last time we had public service cuts of this magnitude, the ACT went into recession. It will be interesting to see how the ACT Government responds in its Budget next month.”

She said she was also disappointed that more hasn’t been invested in the Centenary of Canberra.

“The Budget contains funding for a ‘Centenary gift’ of an upgrade to Constitution Avenue, but this funding was already given to the ACT from the Howard Government in exchange for the land the new ASIO building is being constructed on,” she said.

However, the ACT hasn’t completely missed out: $39.3million will go towards the cultural institutions; $27million refurbishment of the Australian War Memorial; $11.9million for the National Capital Authority; $2.7million, to establish the National Portrait Gallery as a separate statutory authority; $0.1 million for a feasibility study into developing a walk between the city and Parliament House; $2.5 million to upgrade lighting at Manuka; and $20 million for transport planning towards the High Speed Rail Unit.

Funding was also provided to the ACT for a second point to point camera site.

Property Council ACT executive director, Catherine Carter, said although the Budget has not treated ACT well there were some consolations.

“There is some consolation for Canberra with the announcement of $11.9 million in funding for the National Capital Authority to assist with its ongoing financial sustainability. This funding is important as it will help the Commonwealth to maintain its role in strategic planning for Canberra, through a properly resourced NCA,” Ms Carter said.

“The Property Council also welcomes the announcement that $500,000 is to be provided by the Commonwealth to the ACT Government to assist in the development of a master plan for Civic – something that the Property Council has advocated for many years.

“A fully integrated and settled master plan for Civic will provide certainty about future sequencing of development. This will enable decisions to be made about future commercial investment opportunities, employment and accommodation options in Canberra’s central business district.

“This Federal funding follows the ACT Government’s own ‘Greater Canberra City Action Plan’ paper of 2010, and allows both governments to work together to develop an integrated master plan for Civic, which should include urban and social planning values and strategies, environmental sustainability, land use, density and transport strategies.”