CEDD 立法會上會準備系統

{ "RundownID": 1464904, "HansardID": 8301, "MeetingDate": "2026-04-22T00:00:00", "HansardType": "English", "SectionID": 88, "SectionName": "RESUMPTION OF SECOND READING DEBATE ON GOVERNMENT BILL", "SpeakerID": 241, "SpeakerName": "CHRISTINE FONG", "Speeches": "MS CHRISTINE FONG (in Cantonese): Thank you, Deputy President. I rise to speak on the Appropriation Bill 2026. First of all, I support the Government in formulating a budget this year that both addresses people’s livelihood and focuses on long-term development.However, I must tell the Government that in their implementation and oversight, all departments must diligently monitor our public coffers. They must exercise caution in execution and supervision, and must not disappoint the public and the Legislative Council. Departments need to go the extra mile, be pragmatic, and implement and deliver policies with dedication.Regarding “Smart Tender”, the Wang Fuk Court incident has triggered more social concern about building maintenance. I welcome the reservation of $3 billion for the implementation of Operation Building Bright 2.0 by the Development Bureau, and the proposal to allocate $300 million to subsidize the launch of the enhanced version of “Smart Tender” by the Urban Renewal Authority (“URA”). Of this funding, $200 million will be used to provide subsidies for owners who use “Smart Tender”, and $100 million will be allocated for URA to establish a subsidiary to act as a consultant assisting housing estates in tendering and tender assessment. This move will help owners, particularly those of “three-nil” buildings, to conduct tendering in a more open and competitive manner, with pre-qualification lists in place. I expect the authorities to practically fulfil their role as a gatekeeper for the public.In addition, the authorities will allocate over $1 billion to implement the Lift Modernisation Subsidy Scheme, which will alleviate the financial burden on owners of older buildings, and drive the renovation and modernization of a large number of ageing lifts.Regarding fire safety, the Government has earmarked about $9.38 billion for the Fire Services Department (“FSD”), thus demonstrating its determination to strengthen fire safety governance. However, public funds must be utilized properly. Although the estimates focus on equipment upgrades, I must emphasize that oversight of the performance of fire service contractors must not solely rely on reviewing reports, making diagnosis from a distance. I urge FSD to implement a mechanism for regular surprise inspections, with thorough examinations of fire service equipment and escape routes in buildings to nip potential hazards in the bud. Only in this way can we genuinely address social aspirations, particularly concerns of residents in old buildings about fire safety, and put an end to the phenomenon of providing false information or withholding information.While the estimates have increased, we have noted reduction in the staff establishment. I am deeply concerned whether this will increase the work pressure on frontline staff, which will in turn undermine the service quality. The Bureau must carefully assess the manpower distribution.Furthermore, with the integrated development of the Greater Bay Area, standardization of fire hoses and fire service installations (“FSIs”), as well as technical harmonization, has become the general trend. The Government should actively promote the alignment of relevant standards, leverage regional collaboration to enhance the interoperability and cost-effectiveness of equipment, and create a regional fire safety community.With regard to FSIs, there is currently a situation where active and passive installations (such as smoke stop doors) fall under the purview of different departments. This overlap of powers and responsibilities often leads to loopholes in enforcement. I suggest that the Government take forward a cross-departmental joint inspection mechanism to break down departmental barriers, provide a one-stop regulatory solution, and comprehensively eliminate blind spots in fire safety.In addition to improving the system, the first line of defence in every household is equally crucial. I would like to highlight the “three treasures for fire protection” for home safety, namely fire extinguishers, fire blankets and standalone fire detectors. I urge FSD to accelerate the expansion of the Pilot Scheme on the Internet of Things Fire Detection System, utilizing technological means to achieve round-the-clock automatic detection, thereby elevating fire safety in Hong Kong’s buildings to new heights of modernization and intelligentization. When it comes to fire safety, there are no bystanders. We cannot solely rely on the bravery of firefighters. We must strictly adhere to all fire safety measures and ensure that should any FSI be out of service, the information must be absolutely transparent. We must not disregard human life for the sake of construction convenience.In respect of tourism development, the Government has in recent years improved facilities such as piers, toilets and hiking trails to provide convenience to visitors and members of the public. The Budget allocates $1.66 billion to the Hong Kong Tourism Board to enhance Hong Kong’s tourism appeal. Sai Kung boasts distinctive attractions such as the Geopark, High Island Reservoir and East Dam. I hope the Government will make good use of resources to boost the local economy, while increasing the income of residents, businesses and the transport sector.In respect of youth development, I support the continued funding for the Strive and Rise Programme, a key initiative for youth development and poverty alleviation which has so far benefited over 10 000 students. This is complemented by the Budget’s injection of an additional $180 million to the Child Development Fund, as well as provision of about 3 600 additional internship placements in government departments and public bodies.In respect of welfare for the elderly, from the next financial year onwards, the number of Community Care Service Vouchers will be increased to 16 000, while the number of Residential Care Service Vouchers for the Elderly will be increased to 7 000, involving an annual expenditure of over $3 billion. At the same time, support for cross-boundary elderly care is being continuously strengthened, including the expansion of the Residential Care Services Scheme in Guangdong to 26 organizations. I expect the Government to continue to develop the silver market.As regards Hong Kong’s five-year plan aligning with the National 15th Five-Year Plan, it will incorporate land and housing, elderly care, healthcare and education into the planning to increase tangible benefits for people’s livelihood. As Hong Kong is an international financial centre, the Government needs to reduce the institutional costs of market entry, accelerate the marketization of emerging assets, and consolidate Hong Kong’s status as an offshore Renminbi hub and enhance its international competitiveness through institutional reform.Regarding the development of the Northern Metropolis, it is imperative to expedite construction through dedicated legislation, and promote the deep integration of industry, academia and research. Apart from transferring $150 billion from the Exchange Fund to support major infrastructure, the Government will inject more than $40 billion into key projects such as Hetao Hong Kong Park, San Tin Technopole and Hung Shui Kiu Industry Park. Moreover, dedicated companies and a venture fund will be established to expedite site formation and the introduction of industries. The Life and Health Technology Research Institute in the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park, situated at Hetao Hong Kong Park, has been allocated $6 billion. Furthermore, the Government proposes to earmark approximately $220 million for establishing a “national manufacturing innovation centre” in Yuen Long.By assisting the country and the Greater Bay Area with research and development, Hong Kong can facilitate the going global of products and, beyond serving as a “super connector”, more importantly enhance the capacity of Hong Kong’s industries to generate economic value, thereby enabling the people of Hong Kong to share in the benefits.Lastly, as a Member returned by direct election in New Territories South East, I am very concerned about the capital works expenditure of $128 billion, as well as other major projects. I support water supply improvement works, including replacement of water mains, rural sewerage, refurbishment of Sha Tin Transfer Station, the project of Trunk Road T4 in Sha Tin, the cavern facilities at Anderson Road Quarry, the incinerator of I•PARK at Shek Kwu Chau, Route 6, the tunnel at Trunk Road T2, Central Kowloon Bypass, and Smart and Green Mass Transit System in East Kowloon.With these remarks, Deputy President, I support the Bill.", "SeqNum": 94, "HansardFileURL": "https://www.legco.gov.hk/yr2026/english/counmtg/hansard/cm20260422-translate-e.pdf#nameddest=SP_MB_FKS_00094" }