NSW: Jobs the priority for Keneally, then services, then welfare

AAP General News (Australia)
12-04-2009
NSW: Jobs the priority for Keneally, then services, then welfare

SYDNEY, Dec 4 AAP - New NSW Premier Kristina Keneally says she aims to focus on jobs,
public transport, health, education and care for venerable people.

The first aim she mentioned in an interview with the Nine Network on Friday, after
her election on Thursday night by the caucus of Labor MPs, was "a focus on jobs and economic
investment as NSW leads the nation out of its economic downturn".

Secondly, her priorities were transport, health and education.

"As planning minister I set us a goal of building Australia's best planning system.

That's the same focus I bring to my job as premier as we tackle the challenges, particularly
in public transport," she said.

Thirdly, Ms Keneally said, "to put at the heart of my government a care for the most
vulnerable in the community, particularly people with a disability and people with a mental
illness".

Asked if she thought she could win back the support of the people of NSW, she rejected
an allegation the Labor party had been a disgrace.

"I would reject that notion entirely," she said.

"There's much to be proud of. In NSW our Year 3 and Year 5 students are producing literacy
and numeracy results amongst the best in the nation.

"Our emergency room departments are judged to be amongst the best in the nation.

"We are delivering a public transport system which has seen our trains run on time
95 per cent. Our next challenge in public transport is to enlarge it and expand it."

AAP wjf/srp

KEYWORD: LABOR NSW KENEALLY

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