CPSU ACT Leaders Forum - what the Labor and Liberal parties had to say
27 September 2012, 3:39pm
On Tuesday 25 September, CPSU hosted a Leaders Forum with Katy Gallagher and Zed Seselja. Mediated by ANU Professor John Warhurst, the forum provided an opportunity for both major parties to make their case for the support of public services and jobs.
After opening statements from each leader questions were put to from CPSU members in the audience.
The Chief Minister and Opposition Leader were asked to make commitments on the size of the public sector, pay and conditions and bargaining for ACT Government employees. Importantly for ACT public service workers, both leaders have committed to commence bargaining in the ACTPS shortly after the election.
Both leaders made commitments to support public services and jobs. Chief Minister Gallagher and some audience members challenged Mr Seselja on the record of conservative oppositions saying one thing in an election campaign and then doing the opposite once elected. Ms Gallagher cited the job cuts made by incoming conservative governments in NSW, Victoria and Queensland in her opening address.
Members also asked questions about the ACT public education system, public transport, parking, cycle lanes, and plans to reduce the pressure of cost of living increases on seniors in the ACT.
The proposed needle and syringe program for the Alexander Maconochie Centre also featured.
