ACT taxpayers should be questioning the absence of Chief Minister Andrew Barr’s third overseas trip in the last four months, just days after his government delivered a horror budget for Canberrans, says Opposition Leader Leanne Castley.

“The ACT Labor budget delivered last Tuesday included 25 new or higher taxes, charges and levies at the same time Canberrans are struggling under the weight of continued cost-of-living pressures,” she said.

The chief minister’s overseas trips in 2025 are:

• March – Trade Mission to China
• June – Pacific Trade Mission
• June – Visit to Japan

“I’m pretty sure Canberrans would be amazed that just after slugging them with higher costs he’s decided to jump on an overseas flight – again – and head off to warmer climates,” Castley said.

“It’s a pretty arrogant step to spend thousands of dollars on international travel when the cost of living has just been made even worse thanks to his treasurer.”

KEEPING UP THE ACT

The Liberal Leader also said that after a briefing on Monday with the treasurer’s office, it has been confirmed that the new $250 “health tax” won’t be necessarily spent on health.

“It has been confirmed this morning that ACT Labor’s new$250 ‘health tax’ won’t actually be going straight to the health budget,” Castley said.

“Instead, it’s going straight into consolidated revenue where the government can spend it wherever they like.

“ACT Labor have failed to be upfront with Canberrans and tell them this. Firstly, they’ve been shocked with the extra tax that will cost them more, now they are finding out the funds could go anywhere, including for the next stage of light rail, for the long-promised convention centre or to help cover the lost revenue from the MyWay+.

“Canberrans deserve much more honesty and transparency than this. It’s simply not good enough that ACT Labor thinks it can jack up taxes and charges everywhere and then not be clear what they are being used for.”

The chief’s off again, this time to Japan

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