Canberrans will pay lower rates under a Liberal government, Opposition Leader Elizabeth Lee will announce in her budget reply speech in the Legislative Assembly on Thursday afternoon. 

Ms Lee will say the Canberra Liberals will introduce a 2.2 per cent cap on rates based on the 10-year average of WPI, which will mean on average, Canberrans will be almost $2000 better off in the first  term of a Canberra Liberals government. 

“In contrast, Andrew Barr has been increasing rates bills on average by 6 per cent every year  between 2012-13 and 2022-23 to pay for his fiscal mismanagement,” says Ms Lee. 

“Canberrans have already been gouged by Andrew Barr’s double-dipping tax agenda. We know that many Canberrans are doing it tough, and we will ease the burden of these cost-of-living pressures by  delivering a fairer, more transparent rates system for Canberrans.” 

During her budget reply, Ms Lee will also outline the Canberra Liberals’ priorities leading into the  election in October that will be about providing “A fresh opportunity for Canberra”. 

She says a government she leads will deliver:

• real and tangible measures to relieve the cost-of-living burden. 
• a genuine choice when it comes to housing options. 
• a balanced and responsible management of the budget and use of taxpayer money 
• a world-class health system that will prioritise primary healthcare that will be accessible and  affordable. 
• a nation-leading education system that will bring out the best in every child. 
• a default starting position of “yes” for local business so they can do what they do best. 
• more of our hard-earned rates invested back into our suburbs 
• a public transport system that will get Canberrans where they want to go, when they want to  get there. 
• a fairer, more transparent rates system that will put more money back in the pockets of  Canberrans during this cost-of-living crisis.