PRIME MINISTER BELLS THE CAT ON LABOR’S SPENDING BINGE

PRIME MINISTER BELLS THE CAT ON LABOR’S SPENDING BINGE

Shadow Minister for Scrutiny of Government Waste and Accountability, Tony Pasin, says the Prime Minister has finally been forced to admit what Australians have known for years - Labor has a spending problem.

“After four years of denial, the Prime Minister has belled the cat,” Mr Pasin said.

“For years, Labor dismissed concerns about wasteful spending. Now, reports that Cabinet Ministers have been ordered to wind back expenditure confirms the Government knows its spending is unsustainable.”

“That is not responsible economic management. It is a debt binge,” Mr Pasin said.

The Prime Minister is now seeking savings across government but Australians are entitled to ask whether any proposed reductions will come close to repairing the damage already done.

Examples of this waste are plain to see:

• $15 billion union corruption scandal in the construction industry
• $94 million BOM website blowout
• More than half a million dollars for indoor pot plants and landscaping at the CSIRO
• $2.2 million to refurbish the Greens Party Room
• Billions wasted on renewables subsidies for little or no tangible benefit

“This kind of reckless spending is driving inflation higher, pushing up prices and eroding living standards.

“For months, the Treasurer dismissed concerns that excessive government spending was fuelling inflation. Now the Prime Minister’s own actions confirm what Australians have known all along.”

Mr Pasin said this strengthens the case put forward by the Leader of the Opposition for a Joint Taskforce on Spending Restraint.

“If the Prime Minister is serious about fixing the economy, he should support a Joint Taskforce on Spending Restraint to restore discipline to the Budget.

“We are running out of time. We must act now to restore living standards and protect our way of life. Because Australia is worth fighting for.”