CHIEF MINISTER’S 3RD OVERSEAS TRIP IN LESS THAN 6 MONTHS – WHILE CANBERRANS SLUGGED WITH NEW HEALTH TAX THAT DOESN’T EVEN GO TO HEALTH
ACT taxpayers should be questioning the decision of the ACT Labor Chief Minister to head off on his third overseas trip in the last six months, just days after his government delivered a horror Budget for Canberrans
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.
The Chief Minister’s overseas trips in 2025:
24 March 2025 – Trade Mission to China
4 June 2025 – Pacific Trade Mission
30 June 2025 – Visit to Japan
ACT Liberal Leader Leanne Castley MLA said it was a slap in the face for struggling Canberrans for the Chief Minister to take off on another overseas trip when his government just made the cost of living worse by hiking up a number of taxes and levies.
“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,” Ms 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.”
The ACT Liberal Leader also said that after a briefing this morning with the ACT Labor 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,” Ms 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.”
