Federal budget 2022: Andrew Barr says federal government has ‘ignored’ Canberra

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr has said Scott Morrison’s government has “ignored Canberra again”.

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr has lambasted the 2022-23 federal budget claiming Scott Morrison’s Liberal-National government has “ignored Canberra again.”

In a statement released on Tuesday night Mr Barr said it was “clear that we need a change in federal government for the ACT to get a fair deal on national infrastructure spending”.

“Commonwealth infrastructure spending in the ACT is the lowest of any state or territory – again,” Mr Barr said.

“Despite the ACT being home to 1.68% of Australia’s population, just 0.3% of the Commonwealth’s infrastructure spending will make its way into the ACT in this budget.

“This means the ACT Government will, once again, do the heavy lifting on job-creating infrastructure investments.”

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr says the federal government has “ignored Canberra again” in the 2022-23 budget. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

One key sore spot was the lack of funding for the Australian Institute of Sport precinct including the reopening of the AIS arena.

“The precinct continues to face an uncertain future,” Mr Barr said.

“This is an urgent priority for the ACT in the Federal election, and we will continue to advocate for a renewal partnership with the Commonwealth after the election.”

Mr Barr said the federal government had “once again failed” to take action on climate change.

“The heavy lifting on support the nation in the transition to a lower emissions future will continue to fall to state and territory governments of all political persuasions,” he said.

“This Budget was the latest in a long line of missed opportunities for the Commonwealth to partner with the states and territories on this urgent priority for the majority of Australians.”

PM Scott Morrison and deputy Barnaby Joyce shake hands at the Federal Budget announcement 2022, March 29, 2022. Picture: Brad Hunter

Despite his anger on the issues of climate change and infrastructure Mr Barr said he welcomed investment into efforts to reduce domestic and family violence.

“(Domestic and family violence) is a critical issue for all Governments and we look forward to seeing details on the Commonwealth’s national plan to end violence against women and children,” he said.

“We also welcome additional funding for services to support Australians suffering from mental illness.”

The Chief Minister previously told The Canberra Star he did not want to see cuts to the Australian Public Service (APS) in the budget. 

“The expansion of national security agencies may result in an increase in the APS,” he said.

“However, the continued push towards decentralisation of the (APS) through the creation of ‘regional hubs’ could have ramifications for the ACT’s economy in the medium term.

“The ACT Government is urging the Commonwealth to focus any ‘decentralisation’ from the congested capital cities rather than Canberra.”