Opposition Leaders Say Budget Fails to Help Canberra Families

Two opposition party leaders in Canberra have strongly criticized the government's new budget. Mark Parton from the Liberal Party and Jo Clay from the Green Party said the budget does not help families enough. They spoke after Treasurer Chris Steel released the yearly spending plan on Wednesday. Both leaders said the government is not doing enough to help people with rising costs.

Mark Parton, the Liberal Party leader, gave his first budget reply speech. He said the territory was in "a massive red hole" financially. Parton argued that the budget made people "more vulnerable, not more secure." He said the government's plan failed to meet what people needed right now.

Parton wants to create new rules for how the government spends money. He plans to introduce a Charter of Budget Responsibility for the ACT. This would make the government more open about how it uses taxpayers' money. He believes this will help keep government spending under control.

The Liberal leader shared some policy ideas focused on safety and health. He wants to make the city center safer and cleaner for families. Parton proposed a "Safer Summer" program that would start in 2028-29. This program would include special teams to quickly remove graffiti from buildings around the city.

Jo Clay from the Green Party also responded to the budget. She liked some parts but criticized others strongly. Clay was happy the government dropped a controversial health tax. She also supported new help for people who rent their homes.

However, Clay was very critical of the government's transport plans. She said the light rail project was moving too slowly. The budget pushes funding for the next section until 2029-30. Clay said the rail line to Woden won't be finished until well into the next decade.

Both party leaders want cheaper public transport for everyone. Parton suggested a flat 50-cent fare for all bus and light rail trips. Clay pushed for free public transport for students and people with concession cards. She said the government voted for this idea in October but hasn't acted on it.