ACT Labor's Tuggeranong announcement 'laughable'

Liberal MLA for Brindabella and Shadow Transport Minister Mark Parton has slammed ACT Labor’s announcement today that it will provide Tuggeranong with some funding if elected in October.

Mr Parton said after ignoring Tuggeranong residents for over two decades, Andrew Barr is now trying to pretend he and his government will provide the region with some basic services that have long been neglected. 

“This is absolutely laughable, nobody south of Hindmarsh Drive will believe a single word of it,” Mr Parton said.

“A government that has been in power for over 20 years should already be maintaining footpaths and infrastructure in Tuggeranong and for them to come out with this announcement just before an election is simply embarrassing. 

“This is just more hollow promises from a government that has allowed Tuggeranong to drop off the map over the last 23 years.

“The announcement is apparently in response to feedback ACT Labor candidates have been getting from local residents, but I can tell you Tuggeranong locals have been giving this feedback for over a decade. Andrew Barr and his government have just chosen to ignore it and are now pretending to care just before an election.

“All these pledges from Labor come at a time when they are preparing to spend over $4 billion on a tram line that will never get to Tuggeranong and that will result in significantly slower public transport for the entire south side.

“In contrast, the Canberra Liberals have already announced a comprehensive people focussed public transport policy that will ensure more frequent and faster commute times for Tuggeranong residents.

“We have also announced real cost of living measures, a fairer, more transparent rates system along with a $100 million package for neglected suburbs.

“The Canberra Liberals will continue to make further announcements in the lead up to the election that will benefit the neglected Tuggeranong region,” Mr Parton concluded.