A total $2.5 million for a regional art gallery, money for a new roundabout on one of the shire’s most dangerous intersections, almost $100,000 for the Robertson School of Arts – There is definitely a lot of money being thrown from the direction of the state government to the Wingecarribee Shire at the moment.
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Not to sound like a cynic, but is there the possibility of an election in the air? Of course there is and it would seem that the big buy off is in full swing. With this in mind the people of the shire could be forgiven for feeling cynical about the motivation behind the sudden influx of funds.
Perhaps we should feel a little grateful that the current powers-that-be – our serving state government MPs Jai Rowell (Wollondilly) and Pru Goward (Goulburn) are affiliated with the government holding the purse strings. Clearly that link makes it easier for them to access, and then share, more funds with this region. We should also note that pork-barrelling is common among both key political parties.
Money to give away? We’ll happily take it. But at the same time we should all ponder the question “is the sudden generosity just a smoke screen?” The definition for such a term – a ruse designed to disguise someone's real intentions or activities.
The Minister for the Arts, Don Harwin, said while announcing a grant for the Robertson School of Arts, that the impressive run of funding was possible because “the state has balanced its books, is in no debt and can afford to reinvest in arts and culture.”
This is no doubt, the case, but why now? Why is the government suddenly flush with funds when an election is in the offing? And will this generosity continue once the vote count is completed? Or will we have to sit tight and wait until another election before we get any more significant generosity?
Yep there’s that cynicism again.
Being showered with money for great projects is very welcome, it is just a little hard to fathom the sincerity of the delivery. It tends to look like the voting members of the public are being treated like unwitting fools.
To all those politicians out there on the funding announcement trail – thanks for the money – but please don’t think it will buy our vote.
For all those voters out there please make sure you think very carefully about your choice before you tick the ballot paper – think carefully about your choice, what they have done or could do for you and your community. And most importantly think about whether their heart is truly invested in your community.
