2009 has been a busy year for me. It's been a challenging time for governments all over the world which have been faced with the sharpest slowdown in economic activity in decades. It was in this environment that I delivered my first budget as Treasurer in May and I was pleased to see the budget pass last month before the Legislative Assembly rose for the winter break. Passage of the 2009-10 budget will help create confidence and stability in the Territory and support jobs during these challenging times.

It's also been a busy time for the health portfolio and I continue to work towards rolling out our $1 billion Your health - our priority infrastructure program. The preliminary sketch plans for the new $90 million Women's and Children's Hospital are almost complete and the pre-tender consultation period for the construction of the new hospital is underway. ACT Health has also started the consultation process for sites for a range of new mental health facilities.

Please feel free to stay in touch - visit 'ask Katy a question' and I will endeavour to answer your questions.

What's news ....

I've now added a Newsroom to my website where you'll be able to find media releases.

Contact my office:

Phone: 6205 0840 - Email: gallagher@act.gov.au - Fax: 6205 3030