transport continue to feel the pinch

of the NSW Labor Government’s

mismanagement, Ministerial offices

could be in line for a $2.7 million

facelift, Goulburn MP Pru Goward

has said.

Ms Goward said the

Appropriation Bill 2009 reveals a

host of other hidden expenses not

previously reported by the Treasurer

and Premier.

“It’s clear the NSW Government

has abandoned any form of financial

discipline in the running of this

State,” Ms Goward said.

“The NSW Budget is looking more

and more troubled as the Rees Labor

Government continues its smoke

and mirrors game to hide the truth

of the State’s economy from the

people of NSW.”

Shadow Treasurer Mike Baird said

that not only does the Bill highlight

waste such as the $2.75 million

requested for Ministerial offices but

just as importantly it raises real

questions on how expenses are

managed in this Labor Government,

he said.

“Rather than being up front about

these costs, they are hidden in this

additional Appropriations Bill which

gives effect to creating surpluses at

Budget time when the true position

may well be a significant deficit.

“At the same time it has been

revealed that Ministers do not check

their budgets themselves, further

highlighting the lack of scrutiny of

ongoing expenditure."

For the full story see the Southern Highland News, April 17