Caterina Sullivan
How Labor Has Committed to Achieving the Global Goals in the ACT
Updated: Nov 4, 2018

Andrew Barr has been re-elected as Chief Minister of the ACT with Canberra voting to retain a Labor government. We look at how the Chief Minister and the Labor Party have committed to achieving the Global Goals by looking at his campaign launch speech.
Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being
“[We have] a 10 year plan for health that will deliver essential facilities where people need them, including:
A major expansion of women’s and children’s services
A new general hospital in Woden and a teaching hospital at the University of Canberra
New walk-in health centres in Weston Creek and Gungahlin, based on the successful centres in Belconnen and Tuggeranong
More bulk-billing GP clinics in our Southside.”
This addresses all associated targets of Goal 3.
“Labor will ensure every Canberra child has the opportunity to achieve their best possible future – a future determined by realising their potential, no by their postcode or parents’ salaries.”
This addresses all associated targets of Goal 4.
“A re-elected Labor Government will deliver:
A further $100 million to revitalise our schools and ensure high quality learning environments.
The latest technology – new equipment for every public student from year 7 on – so that no child misses out because their parents can’t afford it.
Supportive learning environments and 20 psychologists to work across the school system.”
This addresses Target 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes and Target 4.5: By 2030, eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples and children in vulnerable situations.
“We will ensure the CIT remains the primary provider of high-quality vocational education.”
This addresses Target 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university and Target 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship.
Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
“We understand that it makes economic, as well as environmental sense, to deliver our 100% renewable energy target by 2020.”
This addresses Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
“This must be a city where our young people get the skills they need, to get good jobs and build fulfilling careers. That is exactly what a re‑elected Labor Government will deliver.”
This addresses Target 8.6: By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training.
Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
“We are strengthening and diversifying our economy [by] using the skills and ideas of entrepreneurs, researchers and policy makers to develop new industries.”
This addresses Target 9.2: Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and, by 2030, significantly raise industry’s share of employment and gross domestic product, in line with national circumstances, and double its share in least developed countries.
“We are building the infrastructure now that will keep Canberra such a great place to live.”
This addresses Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all.
Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Sustainable Communities
“We simply must build an integrated transport network and provide Canberrans with better transport. That means boosting our bus services, road network and bike paths, and building light rail from Gungahlin through the City and Parliamentary Triangle to Woden, to have a true north-south spine joining our city together.”
This addresses Target 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport, with special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations, women, children, persons with disabilities and older persons.
“And we support Canberra arts – artists, performers, writers and musicians – because we know a strong local arts scene is a vital component of Canberra’s cultural life and economy.”
This addresses Target 11.4: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.
We look forward to working with the Chief Minister and his team to continue Canberra’s outstanding progress towards the achievement of the Global Goals.
This article was originally published on the Global Goals Australia Campaign website.